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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
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
687 posts
 
I think the actual chip used has a lot to do with it too.  As time goes on, hobbyists are finding out which chips are preferred over other ones.  Like the 3116, 3118, 7297 as opposed to the earlier 3886.

Check out the Fleawatts by Derek Sanderson.  They sound amazing at a much lower cost than many others 
googoogjoob
88 posts
 
i own 3 ATI class A/B amps & my buddy owns their Class D amps.
we both use them in theater applications. they are both exquisite.
if i were starting over again, i would get their class D. and i LOVE my A/B.
also, PS Audio has 2 D amps which are in cred ible.

dmhopwood
6 posts
 
Thanks for the correction ricevs, for some reason I was thinking my Benchmark amp was Class D but as stated on their website:
The AHB2 is a linear class-H amplifier with bipolar output transistors and a unique feedforward error-correction system.
264win
51 posts
 
I haven’t heard all the class D so I can’t comment on them all but I can on the Marantz products!

I have listened to the PM-10 and the KI Ruby. They are both wonderful amps and have a very nice lifelike and warm sound. I think most people will love them!

Having said that I have a PM-11s3, the last of the Marantz Reference A/AB amps sadly. Listening to the PM-11s3 side by side with the Ruby, with both my dealer and friends, the PM-11s3 sounds much better! Not better, but MUCH better. More powerful, more musical, more detailed! We A/B’d the Ruby and the PM-10, and though the PM-10 was much more powerful they sounded very similar musically.

So I’d say no! A/AB still sounds better...
phd
1,320 posts
 
What if I told you there is a Class D amp that retails for $500.00 (made in Sweden), includes shipping and sounds every bit as good as Class D amps that sell for up to $2,500?  Well such an amp exists, the Edge A2-300. Some have referred to it as a giant killer. I refer to it as a great find.
You ever wonder why some amps sold by different companies are similar in power and quality but vastly vary in price. Mostly because some companies have much more overhead, more debt and expenses, can't pass the savings on to their customers. So shop smart.


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