celander: "
I suspect some type of class A-class D hybrid will likely be the future for all class D topologies."
There are currently class D amps using the topology of both transistor and tube analog class A input stages combined with analog class D switching power amplifier stages.
I've never auditioned any of these amps but did read a very good professional review on 6Moons about the French DeVailet solid state hybrid integrated class A-class D hybrid.amp. The reviewer loved it but it was uber-expensve like most of the best traditional amps are and always have been.
during the past century and possibly for another century.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the many good class D amps is their affordability. From my perspective, the egalitarian nature of class D technology is a beautiful thing, bringing extraordinarily high sound quality to an increasing number of individuals' systems that otherwise would not be able to afford and experience it.
I'm hoping the future of class D topologies is a bit more interesting than just relatively expensive hybrids. The inventor/designer of both Ice and Hypex NCore class D amp module technology, Bruno Putzeys, has stated he's able to design class D amps that sound like any traditional class A, tube or hybrid amp topology desired.
I wonder if he could design an affordable class D amp that could mimic the sound characteristics of the best current and past examples of traditional amps, along with the best example of independent class D amp sota efforts, that is user selectable.
A guy or gal can still day dream, right?
Tim