Class D amplifiers. What's the future look like?


I have a number of amplifiers: Luxman C900U, Bryston 4BSST2, Audio Research VSI 60 Integrated, NAD C298 and some other less noteworthy units. As I swap them in and out of my main system, I've come to the conclusion my very modest NAD C298 is about all I really need. Granted if I had extremely hard to drive speakers, I might be better with the Bryston or Luxman, but driving my Harbeth 40.2 speakers, the NAD is just fine. 

I thought a while ago that class D would quickly overtake amplifier design type mainly due to profit margin which I think would be much greater than A/B and tube. I'm not saying the other design styles would go away, just that D would be the most common style. 

Clearly my prediction is not panning out, at least in the mid and high-end audio world and I'm wondering why? It seems companies such as Bryston, Luxman, McIntosh, Hegel and so many others are sticking by A/B. I'm no "golden ears" guy, but is the perceived sound issue(weather real or imaginary) still holding D back? Maybe my assumption of profit margin is not correct? Maybe the amplifier manufacturers are experimenting with D, but keeping tight lipped until release? Perhaps brand loyalists don't want change similar to what happened with "new coke". What else am I missing?

 

128x12861falcon

Showing 6 responses by milpai

But, when i just look at his D with the chassis open, it ain’t looking like much to me

This is how the internals of 1930 computers looked. Compare that to the internals of today's desktops/laptops/servers/super computers

Mechanical Computers

Granted if I had extremely hard to drive speakers
 

Some Class D manufacturers claim 2 Ohm stable. Besides, how many folks have speakers that dip to 2 or 1 Ohm for considerably amounts of time. I want to try one with my ears, and mind open.

@deep_333 ,

Thats some impressive gear you have there. Would definitely like to see your setup, especially those Gryphon amps. You should post your system here - so we can drool 😆

Create "Virtual System" has not worked in months (Error = User can’t be blank).

In my third system I own the following gear, which I know most people would be jealous about:

Gryphon APEX Monos

CH  Precision L1 dual Line Stage

dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC stack

Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic

All cabling is Nordost Odin 2

This system sounds so alive that I have stopped attending to concerts. But you are correct - Class D sounds so lousy. Forget about it.

 

@arafiq ,

Yeah, right? I will be changing to the Wilsons to the Kharma Grands on a whim, next week. Please stop by for a listen.....LOL!!