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Class D = Trash?

So, I'm on my second class D amp. The first one, a Teac AI-301DA which claimed to use an ICE module, was unlistenable trash. I burned it in for a few weeks, it just couldn't perform, so I sent it back. Following that, I tried the new Emotiva A-300 (class A/B). It was significantly better, but lacking in too many ways for my tastes. So I changed gears, got an 845 SET from China -- and it was an immediate and massive improvement.

So, before I went further down the SET road, I wanted to try a better class D product using a modern class D module. I settled on the D-Sonic M3-800S with the Pascal module and custom input stage. I read from reviews that these things like to have big cables, so I picked up an eBay 8 gauge power cable (Maze Audio, el-cheapo Oyaide copy plugs, braided 4-wire cable) to go along with it.

Mid-range GONE.
Soundstage depth CRUSHED.
Euphonics DISAPPEARED.

Yes, resolution went up. Driver control went up, allowing me to play compressed rock/pop and orchestra with the speakers being able to render it all. But enjoyment in the sound is basically gone. Using my best power cable (LessLoss Original) improved performance, but didn't fundamentally change the amp's nature. I ran back to my headphones (Focal Utopias) to detox my ear canals.

So, how long does a class D need to burn-in? I want to give it a fair shake before writing the technology off forever. 
madavid0

Showing 2 responses by asvjerry

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,360 posts
 
Gregkohanmim, thanks for the 'go' at attitude correction...;)

D tech is still in relative infancy as the classes go.  Some are already embracing it, others repelled by it.  'Bout on par with all the other classes, given the rather small 'survey group IMHO.  We could discuss/argue the subject ad infinitum and end up back at the start yet again...

Re 'break in', that might be true for any 'solid state' amp, although I've never seen any comment about existing 'non-D' amps.  And when break-in is claimed to take 1K+ hours, I find self wondering which is being 'broken in', the amp or the listener?

Just MHO...  New stuff always seems to bother purists in some way...always has before....;)
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,360 posts
 
....I can see a novel business opportunity here...a 'burn-in service' for D amps.

Send me your new D amps and I'll burn them in for you.  When I think they're ready, I'll send them on to you.  First come, first served, and be patient.

Don't gasp...either you can put up with it, or I will. ;)  Pennies a day....
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