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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 2 responses by verdantaudio

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 
Although not Class D, the Chord Ultima Line uses a switching power supply and runs cool.  I think technically they are Class G or H but they are phenomenal sounding amps.  I would certainly put them up against other amps in their price tier and they will be quite competitive.  Given the flagship Ultimas are $69K....
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,469 posts
 
I believe MBLs electronics are Class D.  Huge power and ability to drive anything at 4 ohms. They should be mentioned here.  

I personally have 5 Class Ds at the moment.  Three of the five have tube input stages.  Rogue Hydra, Canor AI 2.10 and AVM A5.2.  I have a Marantz CR510 and an NAD M33.

All five sound incredibly good for the price and are all very musical.  Not fatiguing in the slightest.  The tube input stage on the Rogue, Canor and AVM softens the digital sound and it is very musical.  I have had them all driving Vivids and they sound fabulous.  Stock tubes stink in the Rogue and Canor and do need to be changed.  

the M33 needs room correction on.  With room correction, sounds like a completely different amp.  But so does Onkyo.  Without it can be cold and fatiguing.  
I have a customer with the C298 (same amp as in M33) and he has it paired with a VAC preamp and loves it.  
The one that is most shocking is the $500 Marantz network receiver. It sounds good.  Very natural.  No different than one of the class AB integrated language they sell yet is class D.  No tubes yet great sound.  Mar
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