2. amps-preamps
  3. 166534-11588

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 9 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
I stand corrected regarding the Anthem. 😳
Another very good one I heard was Rogue Pharoah. The high end dealer who also sells ARC and mostly tube amps and NEVER sells anything that sounds less than superb said he thought that one was the best sounding he sold regardless of price. Tube pre and Class D amp makes for a dynamic combo if done right.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 

@mapman What are the best Class D in your opinion?


Well can’t really say having not heard them all. Whenever I listen to my Bel Canto ref amps I think what the h-ll else could I ask for? My BC c5i is very good within limits. My Vanatoo active speakers with biamped Class D in each are golden. Even my little $80 Fosi Class D amp built around a TI chip surprisingly drives kef ls50s very well which not just any amp can do. I’ve heard Veritas and others at shows. All top notch. Anthem STR another good one I have heard and recall. How good seems to come down to power supply and in some cases well executed input circuits especially for use with tube preamps. Looking forward to auditioning some of the latest to come out using GaN transistors, etc.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
That reviewer really liked the Technics amp especially its phono sound and capabilities including ability to digitally correct per cartridge at least with the Ortofon black cart used.   
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
I am very tempted to try the new Class D Audio GaN based stereo class D amp for only $700. It’s gotta be worth that. My gut says probably a lot more.

If anyone has bought and heard one of those, please report here ASAP!  Thanks.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
Both nice looking.

How about a Class D amp with both a tube and a meter? Hubba hubba!

The Legacy amp is interesting in that it is 4 channel and specs say only slightly more power into 4 ohm than 8....not sure what to make of that.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
Bel Canto ref-m series.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
In the under 10K category, clearly the current winners are the AGD Audion monoblocks.

Clearly? How’s that? How many have these or have even heard them or compared them to all the others?



I will give them credit for looking cool, what with the SS components plugged in and looking like a tube and all.



mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
I will go out on a limb and say Class D amps as a group outshine most of the others as a group. The lesser ones are still good for the cost and the best ones compete with the best.

I say that as an owner running class d amps that range in cost from ~ $80 to $6000 retail and having heard many other amps of all types ranging up to 6 digits retail. 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,898 posts
 
Every Class D I have heard is very good.  By that I mean near flawless. Not all created equal however.  Some might prefer  some tubes up front to embellish things a bit.
More to discover