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 6 responses by randy-11

randy-11
1,913 posts
 
PS Audio has one coming in May that uses a Class A MOSFET input stage and then a Class D output stage for the power.

I think there are others like that

The nad Masters series should be pretty good and IIRC it is Class D

I would not give up on an entire circuit topology based on two examples, but I would be very careful and not purchase without a listening test or a return privilege.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
if your speakers represent a very complex impedance, then maybe it is cables - it is certainly cheaper to try different ones from a place that lets you swap them
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
wasn’t that roundtable a decade ago?

I’d listen to modern Class D amps - like the ones listed above. I’d compare using A/B and extended sessions, all double-blinded.

I’d also listen to the Benchmark amp (not Class D), then buy the best one in my price range. if looked ugly, I’d stick it in a maple cabinet and glue some tubes on top of it.

But they will have to pry my tubed pre-amp out of my cold, dead fingers.





Just like the National Righteous Amplification club sez...
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
of course, you can measure all sorts of distortion products - inharmonic means non-harmonic
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
no worries Eric

I am going to consider an amp replacement after a DAC/disc player upgrade and anything will have to prove itself vs. my current Sunfire (which I guess is closest to a Class G or H)
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
no-bell - instead of wasting time on your verbose post above, you could simply use google to search for "inharmonic distortion"

try it

(and, no, I don't claim that Class D is good or bad -- I DO want to know if it offers any advantages for me)


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