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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
rwwear
2,867 posts
 
This may be of interest to aficionados of Class D.
http://www.psaudio.com/stellar-m700-mono-amplifier/
seanheis1 OP
624 posts
 
Very elegant Ice Amp with a class A input stage. 
dwaleke
1 posts
 
Looks similar to NuPrime stuff.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
I'm not sure what this "class A input stage" is.  Input stages are almost always class A (would be stupid not to), but class D amp is pretty much one stage - a modulator + output transistors.  Any additional input stage is not advantageous to class D amps. What they call "Analog Cell" is just class A Mosfet input stage very common in many class A or AB amps.  It sounds like a lot of hot air (for class D).
seanheis1 OP
624 posts
 
I'm not sure what this "class A input stage" is. Input stages are almost always class A (would be stupid not to), but class D amp is pretty much one stage - a modulator + output transistors.
I thought the Class A input stage is what voices the amplifier and keeps it from being a clone amp in a pretty box. 
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