Discussion of Class D Amps Application & Experiences


With all the time off that our current situation has allowed recently, I became intrigued by the idea of class D amplification. I have always been against this type of amplifier but the more I have read the more I have also learned. There are lots of threads here on this subject many of which result in arguments about which amplifier class is better. I do not want to do that here. As I consider a class D amp I need to let you know that I currently use a fairly powerful class A/B SS amp and pre-amp into an efficient pair of speakers rated at 4 ohms. My choice of equipment has always been focused on musicality over absolute detail. I want the music to sound natural and not sterile. I seem to have achieved that sound. If I switched to class D amplification that would also be my intended goal although a bit more refined detail would be fine. I have considered pairing the amp with a tube pre to help achieve my desired sound. So why would I change? My goal would be to save money over my current gear while maintaining my desired sound.

I have researched brands such as Nord, Primare, AGD & Nuprime. I have also looked at brands such as Jeff Rowland & Merrill but those are way out of my price range. My target would be $6000 - $7000 or less. I'm about performance not price. So given that background information I would like to hear from those who have made the leap, what your experience has been (likes and dislikes), what amp did you replace and any comments about one brand over the other. Your experience with demos etc. Do you use a tube or SS line stage?
Thanks
falconquest

Showing 12 responses by falconquest

My sense is that this technology is still emerging and what is "great" today may be outdated rather quickly. The good part is the technology keeps developing so equipment should be better and less expensive in the future.
I certainly appreciate the replies thus far. I use a BPT 2.5 Signature power conditioner and figured I would try the amp(s) both through that and direct.
So, based on your response would you say this a 10% improvement? 20%? Worth looking at vs. ICE technology over the long term?
Here's a little more fuel for the fire. Lots of class D units use ICE technology. Is gallium nitride a game changer such as the AGD Production amps?
@kren0006 I appreciate the heads up about this topic which is why I requested to not get involved in class warfare! ;-) I would just like to hear about the experience people have had with moving to class D from A, A/B. I did read through the thread you mentioned.....or part of it. I gave up when I no longer found useful information.
@arion Thank you for your insight as well as others who have contributed. The more the merrier so long as it remains informative and civil.
" That’s why it’s best to not generalize. No two amps of any particular type are created equal. They all run the gamut."

This is why I would like to hear from those who made the leap from class A, A/B to D to get their impressions about not only the sound but what sounds better or worse after the transition. Did they find equal or better performance for less money or were there trade-offs? I was also thinking along the lines of a tube pre but it seems hard to find one that offers a remote and no quirky aspects. (I researched the Conrad Johnson 17LS but didn't like the idea of the "click" volume control.) But I don't want to make this about pre-amps.....yet.
@jaytor That's what I was after! Some real world, hey I tried this but didn't like it because, straightforward honest first hand experience. I must admit, I have heard/read a lot about class d build, specs. and prices but not much of anyone extolling their virtues. Thank you for your response!
@markmuse Can you expand upon your comments about the M700's? In what way did they not work for you?
@tweak1 Wow, that's out of this world! .....thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week.
I certainly appreciate all of the logical and rational comments on this thread. Would like to hear more about your experiences with class D amplification.
I agree with you. Part of the appeal of class "D", at least to me, is the huge price differential. If you have to spend an amount equal to my class A/B well then.......