Class D Technology

I purchased a pair of Maggies earlier this year, and a pair of Emotiva XPA-1 monoblocks to drive them. While the performance was good, I had a feeling I could do better.

Posts like some of the above kept me from trying Class D. Magnepan themselves caution against it.

On a whim, I bought a Rogue Audio Pharaoh integrated that I saw posted here. I've not heard a Rogue I didn't like and didn't see them putting out something below their standards. I couldn't be happier and my system now uses 75% less power. The Pharoah drives the 1.7i wonderfully. 

Thanks for the posts @mr_m and @mapman 

At least I know I'm not nuts. Three friends have come over and their reactions are all the same- once they pick their jaws up off the floor, they all want a Pharoah. One has already ordered his and is awaiting delivery.

@mr_m I bought mine with upgraded tubes and had a bunch of upgraded power cords around. You are right. Amazing.

@mapman I totally agree with the above statement. I'll also point out that Magnepan themselves say on their website to avoid Class D. 

That's why i purchased TOTL Emotiva seperates. I was confident that the dealer where I purchased the Maggies carried and recommended Emotiva as well. It sounded good when I purchased the Maggies.

Fast forward 6 months and I can truly say the Emotiva gear was mid fi. The Rogue gear outclasses in in every way. I don't care that Magnepan says to avoid Class D. They are wrong for making such a blanket statement, and I was wrong for heeding the advice.

I am finally very happy.

@seanheis1 Emotiva and Rogue is more compatible price wise than you stated. If you are looking at top of the line seperates, the monoblocks are $2398 a pair, and the preamp is $999- excluding holiday sales. So you are looking at $3397, a whopping $103 less than a Rogue Pharoah.

Performance wise? The improvement with the Pharaoh is staggering.   

@seanheis1 Of course you can compare the two. And your answer tells me that you are falling into the same trap I did. 

Yes, the Emotiva had more power, switchable Class A, etc. It also doesn't sound all that great.

I was making a point that you can buy that or for $103 more, you can have an awesome amp. We are talking retail to retail new.

I purchased the Emotiva gear during one of their sales. I purchased the Rogue in 9/10 condition preowned here. I actually paid less for the Rogue than I did for the Emotiva gear. And it's not a fair fight at all. The Rogue sounds so much better.