One thing I’ve observed over the years is that every amp I’ve owned has sounded different from the others; sometimes the differences were small, sometimes large. I’ve concluded that there is not better or worse as much as which amps satisfy the most preferences and at the same time have the least objectionable features/sound.
Three years ago I owned my first class d amp…a Crown XLS 2000. The overall presentation of this inexpensive amp was slightly forward, strong low end (not especially detailed), decent midrange, a little hot on the top end (especially the sibilance region)…big soundstage but with no depth.
For the heck of it I decided to try a Nuprime STA 9 which they advertise as class A+D with the class A part being the input front end. This amp sounded similar to the Crown but with more depth to the soundstage and maybe a little more sibilance.
Next I decided to go back to class A/B with a Parasound Halo…better in every regard than the Crown or the Nuprime, smooth, musical, powerful.
Then after reading a number of user reviews referencing a blending of solid state and tube characteristics in the Digital Amplifier Company products, I decided to try their new 2Cherry…class d not based on modules but on discreet circuitry designed/engineered by the company founder.
Right out of the box I was pretty surprised…not only did it seem that a layer of haze that I didn’t know was there was lifted, but the music just came alive. Not only were the dynamics improved, but so was the tone and the sense of aliveness…and the soundstage became much more holographic. Eighteen months later, I still love this amp.
People love their Pass Labs, their Halos, their Nords…etc. They may or may not like a Cherry Amp better than their current amp….the only way to know is to utilize the return policies and give them a try. And, for those who prefer monoblocks amps or amps that weight more than 20lbs. Cherry has Class d versions that will satisfy those people as well.