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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 teo_audio

teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
Yes, and they are the industries top designers, nothing will change until that dreaded switching frequency is taken up much higher. So then the output filter can do it’s job properly without any effects down into the audio band.

Technics is leading the way with the SE-R1 with twice as high switching frequency, but it’s not mainstream yet, and really should be even higher, one can only hope.

Cheers George

It’s not just the switching frequency, but a combination of that..and some other potent problems. Some things can be done to fix it and I have my ideas on how to tackle these critical ’other’ problems. The solutions are all valid on paper, but the real world may say different. I have successfully dealt with these problems in other arenas of design, so the knowledge should be transferable. We shall see. That, is, if I ever manage to get to the point where I can spend time fooling with these Class D problems again. Too busy cranking cables out the door right now.

I tried to do it on my own re existing modules (retrofit), but (un)said company wanted no part of it, unless it is in their domain - so I declined.
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
yes, the 1000 hrs is a total red herring. I’m embarrassed to hear it being uttered.

If, in your familiar home environment....you don’t hear some fundamental qualities that you like, and enjoy (IE, emotionally!! not cerebrally!! vital point!!), then it is simply not working.

Music is about your balls, your butt, your body, your heart, your breath of life.

not your brain.

You can analyze all you want, but it must get your butt swinging.

Otherwise it should go in the trashcan.

Seriously.

It’s about the endorphins. For with them on the fly and in-situ, you actually experience positive neural growth and change. You become more intelligent and become a better listener, a more accomplished listener with greater aural discernment skills. Every listening session you get really mentally/physically ’high’ on, you literally become more capable, and more intelligent.

Mo’ wired for mo’ better. The brain is plastic and the body’s ’positive engagement function’ (endorphin highs, pleasure, enjoyment, etc) is literally what enables the plasticity ----- to become something new.

If the sound does not move you, then get rid of it. Yesterday.
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