Class D, "Control (Variable Gain)," Amplifier versus Class A/B Separates?


Hello, all!

I am currently running a quite old PS Audio GCC-100 in my chain. It is a variable gain, class-D solid state power amplifier with balanced stereo inputs (functionally a balanced integrated amplifier). I recently purchased and am quite enjoying a pair of KEF LS50 Meta loudspeakers, but have been hearing from numerous people that they may sound even better with Class-A or Class-A/B amplification. I am curious what benefits, if any, I might get from making a switch. I am currently considering selling the GCC-100 and replacing it with a Schiit Kara preamplifier combined with a pair of Outlaw 2220 monoblocks. Any and all advice about what I might expect from such a swap would be greatly appreciated! And in case it matters, source is a Denafrips Ares II R-2R DAC playing lossless Apple Music.

-Ed

eddnog

Showing 2 responses by ellajeanelle

No offense to any Schiit owners but I would not recommend anything from them.  I purchased 3 different components from them, and they all had issues.  I had to return all of them. Also, their customer service is awful.  The company doesn't even list their phone number and anything you have a problem with takes days of back-and-forth messages/ arguments.  For those of you that are happy with Schiit, congratulations.  My statement is based on my own personal experience.

As far as amplifier class, there is a lot of fondness for class A or A/B amplifiers in the audio community and a lot of prejudice toward class D amps, which are unfounded with today's technology.  I own or have owned pretty much every class of amplifier and combination (hybrids) etc. and I can say that a well-designed class D amplifiers of today sounds excellent and often far better than others.  Currently, my favorite amps are my class D.

I have not heard the Outlaw amplifiers, so I don't have an opinion on those.  I do own several PS Audio components and they are all keepers!

If I were you, I'd listen to the components that you are interested in and buy them from a seller that offers in home trials with no questions asked returns and without restocking fees.  People's opinions help, but each person's opinions are based on their own experience alone, word of mouth or what they read on the internet that "never lies"!  In the end, your own ears are the only true judge!  Good luck. 

 

decooney: Unless a company is the only "game in town" I will not buy from them.  anyone worthy of my business absolutely must at a "minimum" meet the key elements that you mentioned and then some.

There are way too many options out there to compromise on "anything" in life.

I give people the benefit of the doubt but once a company screws me, they do not get a second chance from me.  As far as audio equipment is concerned, Schitt and TEAC are two of those.

Maybe one day some of those companies will stop being so greedy and realize that there are those out there, including myself, that are more than willing to pay a premium to get good service, as opposed to trying to save a few bucks. You can't put a price tag on time wasted. Time can't be replaced!