GaN FETs are for high frequency (>500 kHz) switching circuits and are not really meant to be run in saturation with a Q point. They have low parasitics, but that only applies at high frequencies, not audio. Using them is more marketing than any intentional advantage over a MOSFET. There are too many other factors involved to attribute sound quality strictly to the output devices.
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?
- ...
- 71 posts total
I am always interested in reading other peoples opinions on various components. And so many people mention reviews. I find that most people really have not heard components that consistently outperform most components. I have said this over and over, learn what makes sound do what it does and then you can cut through so much of this and know how to find a component that performs in all systems. BUT hey, what do I know anyway. Happy Listening.
|
@marco1 , @tvad What SQ characteristics do distinguish from the auditioned Class D Gan amps that cause you to still prefer tubes. I suspect I would agree with you and pick tubes but for my rooms allergy to heat. Have you ever experienced a class AB amp that got you closer to your tube preference ("soul"?) than a Class D Gan? If so, which one(s)? |
#1 on the list was 3D soundstage. Depth was more convincing using a 300B SET tube amp. #2 was texture. The tube amp conveyed a bit more. Regardless of what chip amp I’ve auditioned, they all sounded a bit sterile and artificial compared to the 300B tube amp. The AGD Audion GAN mosfet amp was the least so. I have never experienced a Class AB solid state amp in my system that came close to a tube amp. I have heard Class A that approached a tube amp - Pass Labs XA-30 and XA-60.
|
A while back I asked John Stronczer at Bel Canto about the GAN amplifier modules. His take was the folks at Hypex have a lot of experience with, and have done a lot of research with the NCore modules, and if there was an advantage to the GAN’s they would be in the forefront of their implementation. I’m not in tune with the industry like John is, but for what it’s worth, I do know Bel Canto class D amplifiers sound extremely good and natural. I’ve owned several over the past 10 years. Presently, I’m listening to a Rogue Audio Pharaoh 2 that also uses Hypex NCore class D modules, and which also sounds quite good in my system. I think it’s as much about the overall implementation as it is about the amplifier module in the circuit. Just my two cents worth. YMMV. |
- 71 posts total