Class D amps that are superior to all or most?


Recently, I have heard about some Class D amps that may be close to the best there is regardless of class. Certainly, this technology has been in development for decades. The main issue has always been the switching power supply. In this regard, I have taken notice of AGD. They have created a whole new power supply that “switches” at a frequency 100 times the normal silicon based MOSFET. The designer uses a gallium nitride based PS. Interesting, it is enclosed in the KT88 glass envelope that sits on top of his amps. I am aware of two more pricey amps that seem to be also at the top- the Solution and the Merrill. There must be others that compete for the title. After my thread, “Is there a SS amp that can satisfy a SET guy?”, I am still on the quest.
Don’t want to spend $50K!
mglik

Showing 1 response by aschuh

In response to OP’s question, a number of people here have pointed to GaN technology and specifically the AGD Audion mono blocks. I have these amps now for a few weeks and second the positive sentiment.
My signal chain is Roon (on MacBook Pro) via WiFi (Linksys Mesh) to OPPO 205 to (XLR analog) DSPeaker X4 to AGD Audion to Viking Acoustics Berlin MkII. X4 crosses to 15” sealed Rythmik sub below 50Hz.

The amps sound wonderful. Endless detail, texture, spatial detail even at very low volume. No listening fatigue. Relative to my (obviously limited, but meaningful over the years) experience, these amps are a discrete innovation worth listening to.