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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
falconquest

Showing 1 response by jaytor

jaytor's avatar
jaytor
766 posts
 
I had a pair of Nord NC500 rev D monoblocks for about 8 months before I decided to sell them and go back to class AB. I used them with Golden Ear Triton 2+ speakers, Bryston BDP-2 streamer, Schitt Yggdrasil DAC. Preamps were Schitt Freya and Parasound JC-2. I tried a variety of cables although nothing too exotic (all under $1K per cable or pair). 

These amps replaced a Krell FPB-300 which died and I couldn't justify the cost of getting it fixed. 

I used both the Sparkos and Sonic Imagery Op Amps. I found the Sparkos to be a little more to my liking - presentation was a bit more relaxed and top end was a bit smoother. 

What I liked: Very efficient. Lightweight and easy to move around. Good dynamics and clarity with very quiet background. Decent but not exceptional sound stage. 

The reason I replaced them: they lacked the excitement I was used to with the Krell. They just sounded boring to me. The imaging was also not as deep and wide as with the Krell. Granted, the Krell was a much more expensive amp in its day, but I was hoping Class D efficiency and more modern design would allow me to get close to the Krell performance at a lower cost. 

I ended up replacing the Nords with a Parasound JC-5 which I'm enjoying very much. A little different sound than the Krell (almost a year between listening to the Krell and JC-5 and I was using a different preamp), but the JC-5 is a beautiful sounding amp with effortless power that is also emotionally engaging. 

I wouldn't rule out Class D in the future, but probably not any time soon. 
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