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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
phd
1,314 posts
 
I just want to mention one other note on the Edge A2-300 Class D amp. It uses the exact same Ice Modules that Jeff Roland uses in his latest Class D amps and the Edge A2-300 puts out a potent 150 watts per channel in to 8 ohms and it is bridgeable in to mono so one could use two of them for more powerful monblocks.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
ricevs, I checked with Legacy, and you are correct; the amp is not differential, but the bridged modules when run mono are. I have revised the article accordingly, and it will appear revised on the website.

The channels are not using only one half of a stereo module, but are bridged. 

As regards your claims of performance with your mods, a couple thoughts. I review retail products, not much in terms of mods. So, I recuse myself from it.

In addition, and there is nothing personal in this at all, unless you have a proper business and discuss what precisely you do in your mods, I would not recommend anyone send off equipment to such entities. I deal with people who make claims on equipment every week, and I have learned personally and professionally that the modded gear has no advantage over any other given stock retail gear. YMMV   :) 






legacyaudiola
3 posts
 

James at Legacy Audio here- I wanted to expound on some things 
for the community. The iV4 Ultra version dedicates the whole power supply of an 1200AS2 to supply the exceptionally high current capability. We have the iV amplifier on display in our CA showroom- Destination HiFi. We’ve been testing them thoroughly, here, and the dynamic range the iV amps provide offers huge benefits for all speakers. 

Additionally, when you look at the dynamic range capabilities of stereo source material (which is predominantly recorded at 24 bits) and the emergence of streaming high resolution two channel audio as well as Atmos surround sound, using an amplifier that can keep up with the dynamic range is increasingly beneficial. I invite anyone who wants to further understand the advantages of these incredible amps, to stop by and hear what they can do!


All the best,

James

rh67
307 posts
 
James.... Will you be at THE SHOW?
ricevs
1,543 posts
 
Douglas,
I consider what you said about modding to be ridiculous. Every new product is a revision or mod of the last one. Many companies just use different techniques or better parts they learn anew in the next model.....It is a mod. We keep learning. I have been manufacturing and modding gear since the 1970s. What I do works. My customers can attest to it. You have never heard anything I do. You have no knowledge whether my mods benefit sound. Does your modded shotgun cables change the sound for the better?.....it is a mod. When you swapped op amps in your DAC.....that was a mod. Everything is a mod. Read my website. I describe tons of things I do and even show pictures. Everything is a mod....everything makes a difference. No manufacturer has all the info. This game is infinite. The more I know....the more I know that I know nothing. I would certainly never put down what anyone says about what they hear. I only believe in the truth. The truth is what I hear. I only want happy customers......I have happy customers. Love is the truth that is always present. Love me.....I love you.

James,
Of course, when you run just one channel of a stereo module then the whole 1200 watt power supply can power one channel only....same as using a mono module.

Are you using both channels of the stereo module in some kind of bridged circuit? The output of each channel is already floating (not ground referenced) and bridged. The input stage is fully differential. How do you bridge two already bridged channels together? The pictures of the iV4 Ultra amp I showed, show no output wires coming from one channel or input wires to that channel either. Are you running wires underneath the board? As far as I know, you cannot bridge two channels together that are already bridged. You need ground referenced outputs to bridge. IcePower has always had differential Half bridged circuits on its outputs.


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