Class D for a Tube Lover


First, I'm sure this has been asked many times but searching the subject wasn't too helpful to me.

So apologies in advance.

I enjoy tubed electronics and class A amps, which tend to be a bit warm.  My current Cary 805s warm my small (12x16) music room even in the cool/cold of winter.  I've got other amps that don't produce much heat, but am looking for something that produces no heat.  Living in a home with no central AC the room gets uncomfortably hot during the summer months.

So...I'd like to try some Class D amps.  Stereo or mono is just fine.  And my speakers aren't difficult to drive so I don't need a thousand watts.  But if that thousand watt amp sounds great, I'm not adverse to that, either.

I'd like to keep the price under 2k used.  

Please help.

Thanks.


128x128audiodwebe
Try this https://6moons.com/audioreviews/acousticimagery/1.html
Not in business any longer. Their class D amps are great. I owned them. Used them with Wilsons sounded great. Also use VAC amps as well .
They sound just as warm
"I run a PS Audio Stellar S300 with a tube pre and find the combination excellent."

Me too, just the same set-up. It's the best sound I've ever enjoyed, so much so that I feel no inclination to leap for the M700 monoblocks. There is something very right about this S300.
I also run vintage Quad II tube amps and the S300 gets much more listening time. It runs cool and is built beautifully.
A sincere 2nd vote for the NAD M22 Class D Amp. I have Class A SS, Tube A/B and the NAD Class D and I find compelling reasons to like them all equally well. The NAD does put off some heat, not sure what amp doesn't honestly. Good luck and if possible, demo before making a final decision. I've been amazed at what a blind listening test will unveil in a familiar room.
Don't give up on tube amps.  Two that come to mind that have a control circuit that allows the tubes to run low temps are Carver Crimson 275 and Linear Tube Audio.  If you're hooked on the tube sound class D may not satisfy you, but try Digital Amplifier Company (DAC) and their lineup.
Ditch the amps you have and just get a PS Audio Sprout100 or a vintage Fisher 500-C with the budget you’ve got.  Will blow away any preamp you can get for your current amps.