Digital amplifier fans, NAD C298 Purifi Eigentakt


I have a tube amp, an A/B amp and now I'd like to experiment with a D amplifier. I would like something from a big name company for build quality, warranty and reputation. I would also like some heft in terms of watts and the ability to get close to doubling output from 8 to 4 ohms. I like NAD's C298, especially price wise but it seems a little lite on wattage. I know I am not describing exactly what I want with sound signature and so forth, but I'd like some names of amplifiers that might meet the wattage, say 300 or above and be below the $3000 mark. Perhaps such a beast doesn't exist except with the boutique manufacturers? With some suggestions, I can then do a little research to see if it fits the bill.

Thanks in advance!

61falcon

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

I wish Audiogon and other audio forums would have a subcategory of amplifiers dedicated to class D. There may well be reasons they do not break it down to that level, but trying to find information specific to D-amps requires a lot of winnowing down amplifiers not in the category.

One of the problems you're up against is that the sound of class D amps varies as much as the difference between tube and solid state. Depending on what people have heard, you see really variable comments- some people will never try one again, having heard something dreadful (and rightfully so) and others have had the luck to have heard (likely one of the more recent) class D amps that really tick all the boxes.

20 years ago class D was a joke. It isn't that way any more. I'm of the opinion that any amp manufacturer that doesn't make a class D amp will get left behind in short order.

To be clear, the 'D' of class D does not mean 'digital'. All class D amplifiers are analog; if not, its not a class D amp.