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 teo_audio

Since the BASH patent ran out last year, things will slowly evolve and change. For high end audio, or for ’quality’ oriented applications, class D is likely to go the way of the dodo bird.

As in: extinct.

BASH will be re-worked for high end audio and will be found to be superior to all possible class D amplifier designs. No output filter required, for one. And some other great potentials.

It always was sonically superior, in potential (on paper), to anything built and designed akin to a class D amplifier...but had been relegated to cheap Chinese design and build due to predominant use in sub woofers and similar high powered low frequency applications.

Then the associated IP ownership and lockout of the basic BASH patent. Which was Asian held. (purchased from the Canadian company that created the BASH design).

The design is open technology now re patent violation prosecution.

It was likely not done before as the patent would be waved in front of the given designer (via  western patent office representation, where it is also held)  and they would have to pay for the use of the patent, if it was available to do so from the holders of the patent.

Secondly, the lack of respect of IP in some corners of the asian build and sales world re amplifier circuitry. As in, make a superior bash based design, publish it, get sued and cut off from it all... all while asian companies steal the design and issue it themselves. Not an attractive scenario to get involved in. Thus, wait for the patent to expire, to avoid at least the being sued part. Expect the theft, and maybe find a way to ride the thing a bit, re being paid for the expected technological theft.

Expect the BASH inquisition to arrive on the Class D shores...eventually.