FYI.....you might want to look at 10 audio.com.....he reviewed the C298 and did not think it was that great......then he reviewed another amp from VTV with additonal mods (from me) that uses the same Purifi module........he likes it much better. Everything you do makes a sonic difference. If you think you know what a class D....or an IcePower or a Purifi or whatever sounds like by listening to one example.....then you are not really wanting to KNOW.....This game is infinite.....Enjoy.
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!
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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. |
jedi1, that is one positive review! Nice to hear from folks that own the unit. I'm still doing some research, but the C298 is high on my list. I have some indecision however that relates to the continued evolution of the D technology and the possibility of price reductions due to increase sales volume. Perhaps I'm being naive with the price reduction aspect... 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. |
Sir, About 6 months ago, I auditioned the C298 in place of my tube/solid state hybrid amp and was amazed, to say the least. Then, after trying it out and straining to not "jump the gun" and just buy it, I read both Robert Harley's and Kalman Rubinson's reviews of the amp and was astounded at how precisely they described what I had in fact experienced when I had it in my system. I am a reviewer skeptic, to say the least, but this really surprised me. Moreover, as far as power, I sure recommend that you look at the power specs in the Stereophile Tests as well as others on the web about this guy. I could never want for more and it has a very decent load to handle in my system. FYI, I am running a PSA Directstream DAC directly into my C298 with Kimber Select interconnects and driving 13 feet of biwired Audioquest into a pair of Vandersteen Treo CT's. Best money i have ever spent on this crazy hobby in many decades. Good luck with your choice, whatever it is. I believe Class D amps have really become remarkable choices.
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@61falcon Good luck with your search...I wouldn't stress on all the data sheet marketing details. I have been using Class D for over 10 years. Anyone that wants to promote legacy A, A/B, tube stuff needs to retire and tend to their gardens. Sorry..... Same thing for all our politicians...hah. We are lucky to design a new dedicated room/rooms with our new house build. There are so many options and we have the ability to try most of them. My current reference is Purifi. I have had several NAD products, but would recommend other options using their technology. Please remember Class D is not digital, funny all the legacy folks like to convolute the discussion. Look at some of the new GaN stuff. Currently a huge price difference on what you can buy currently. Will be interesting who gains market share. |
JKJK: Understood on the power requirements...I was thinking if I like the amp a lot, I generally like watts in the event I purchase very inefficient speakers. Probably overkill and I'm not likely to buy such speakers, but I'm sometimes a bit illogical😊
Russ: I'll take a look at the ps audio, thanks! twoleftears: I'll look at those as well. atmosphere: Yes, I've read that class D does not mean digital. I'm not super electronically inclined, but I think if I saw the waveform going to the speaker, it would be a regular old sign wave like A/B, tube etal. At least I think so🤔 What I find kind of intriguing is the low energy consumption, small footprint and the alleged maturing of the technology with regard to sound quality. |
Here you go. https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/products/gan400 Though you'd be better off looking at Cherry amps and Orchard Audio amps. |
I would highly suggest the same, honestly with class D amps I have never been a big fan. I have never gotten to deep into all the modules so I dont want to use a few comparisons to generalize the whole thing. |