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Gallium Nitride GaN Class D Amplifiers

In my recent research for a possible upgrade to my current amp (Benchmark (AHB2) I was reading about the new higher end design for Class D. I'm very interested in learning more about these new GaN(Gallium Nitride) designs. Three companies are offering some very well reviewed products and they are not going crazy with Watts per channel:

Orchard Audio offers a 250 watt Amp

AGD a 100 watt

Atmos-Phere also a 100 watt

What's interesting  is while Orchard is a new company AGD and Atmos-Phere have been around a while producing high end Tube amps. In almost every review it is noted how these newer designs sound like Class A or Tubes with all the benefits of Solid State. One reviewer couldn't go back to his tube amps after extended listening to the Orchard. No wonder AGD and Atmos-Phere are getting into this technology. It's very exciting as these amps are highly efficient turning over 90% of the power they draw into sound compared to about 78% with A/B designs and I believe even significantly lower for Class A. They run cool and usually weigh between 10-28lbs. I plan to do more investigation. Small size and light weight with decent power is very attractive. There are also mono block offerings for more power if needed. These are not cheap Class D products. They are well designed and constructed.

Orchard Audio's base model is around $2700and their Dual mono version with larger power supplies is $5500.

Both AGD and Atoms-Phere are $5000

Mono blocks for each are about twice the cost.

Has anyone had any experience, demos, etc ., with these types of GaN Class D amps?

 

jfrmusic

Showing 1 response by subaruguru

subaruguru
1,376 posts
 

After querying attendees at my ArgentPur table at CAF last month, it seems that there's a pretty equal split between users who prefer separate monos that can park easily near speakers, vs the more traditional placement of a stereo amp on a central rack. (I personally prefer long XLRs and short speaker cables, as I have an assymmetrical ref system.)

For the latter group I decided to offer a dual-mono stereo "DUO" version of my Monoblocs in a slightly larger chassis, as there's just enough room to fit all 9 connecrtors on the rear panel nicely. The decision was made to NOT offer compromised performance by using smaller GaN-FET modules, NOR share a power supply. Indeed, true dual-mono. The savings, therefore, aren't significant, but I've decided to try to hold the line for the DUO at $5k direct sale (vs $5900/pr Monoblocs).  I have several pairs of Monos in stock, and will have several DUOs available for follow-up reviews and early adopters in January, as well bundles inc my AgPur PC12 Ag power cable at discount. When these are factored in, the DUO becomes more compelling as the special price of a DUO + PC12 is only $6k total, vs $8k for the Monos that require 2 PC12s.)

So I also ask readers here if they have a preference for monos vs a central stereo power amp?

I'll try to address some of the other discussion points, like bass response vs speed, tonal saturation, Class D output filtering, and especially soundstage performance separately.

ErnieM

ArgentPur.audio

 

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