2. amps-preamps
  3. 129071-76532

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 1 response by enliten

enliten
44 posts
 
Does anybody realize most 'class d' amps are simply another type of single-ended amp? Investigate it - the output is actually developed across 2 passive components - not that far away from how an OPT develops power output across its secondary. There are physical analogies within the details, but the overall system functions the same: the sound is 'built' across a passive element.

That means both amp typologies are quite susceptible to reactive output impedance of the load. The SE 845 certainly is, so are most 2 quadrant switching amps as they can't effectively sink current. This is required to effectively manage real world speakers. If a class D was well designed with full 4 quadrant operation, this would be a different column.

Also, class 'D' amps are subject to power supply/cable/drive issues just as SE amps. Proper execution of the stable implementation is absolutely critical, as Bruno has shown us to this point.....but we yet have a way to go.
More to discover