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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
128x128falconquest

Showing 1 response by fillmoor

fillmoor
58 posts
 
Whoever mentioned it I do think you might be  better off plugging class D straight into wall with no filter/ conditioner. At least that was what I found as well.
I dont know much about the technical or engineering arguments but when I listen to mine- Class D definitely has its pluses, and the ones I've used have speed, control, imaging, transparency and detail that is pretty impressive. And you also notice low distortion, what some describe as the sqeaky clean class D sound. Where it can fall a little short is harmonic overtones, I can notice it relative to the tube or class A amps I've had/have but the overall tonality is plenty good enough to me, or more specifically, easier to overlook given its other pluses. Sometimes class D is described as being tube like in sound, I don't think so, at least not in a classic tube sound sense; mine and others I've heard don't have the tonal density usually associated with tubes. The only quality of mine that might be slightly reminiscent of tube is it has an immediacy and neutrality through the mid range that made me think of some single ended triodes I once auditioned.  I don't use one exclusively, but it's good to have one around. 
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