Class D Technology


So I get the obvious strengths of Class D. Efficiency, power output & running cool which allows for small form factors. I also understand the weaknesses somewhat. 1. Non-linear & lots of distortion that needs to be cleaned up with an output filter. 
So my question is, if it weren't for efficiency & power, would there be any reason to own a Class D amp? Do they beat Class A in any other categories that count for sound quality?  
seanheis1

Showing 2 responses by dbwalek

Recently acquired the NAD 12, which uses the NCore technology, along with M22.  Best sound I've ever heard.  Clean, focused, powerful, clear as a bell.  As an aside, I use some powered PMC monitors for recording and read somewhere that they use similar power modules.  That would explain the similar clear and detailed sound I heard through those.

Might not be as much fun for you audiophiles, but I think this may be the technology of the future.

Good for you, mate!  I should have mentioned that those NAD's are driving Paradigm S-8's.  Great sound, and they really tame the beryllium tweeters.

 Someone had an earlier post re "large" studio speakers.  The monitors I was referring to are small PMC 20/20 Six near-field monitors of my home studio.  They were recommended to me by one of the famous Nashville mastering engineers, Glenn Meadows.  He uses big PMC's in his master suite and like most large monitors, they are not self-powered and are, as in the common practice, driven by Bryston power amps.  But most studio mixing is done on smaller near-field monitors.  Most studios have the big ones too, but they are more for show, than go.

I can sort of see why your dealer might sell only Class D and tube amps.  The former for clarity and control and the latter for sweet euphonics.  Nothing wrong with the latter.  That's why we use tube guitar amps and old tube mic pre-amps and emulations, or old recordings.  But the former is why we record and store in digital.  And i prefer not to add another layer of glaze to the playback.  But whatever you like, it's music.  Nobody gets hurt.