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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
vdotman's avatar
vdotman
140 posts
 

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.

aw-agd
17 posts
 

@aball 

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with your statement that "They have low parasitics, but that only applies at high frequencies, not audio." The statement is completely inaccurate and misleading. The Class-D output stage runs at high frequency (our GaN modules at 800Khz), and the output MOSFET, whether Si-based or GaN-based, must have extremely low switching losses to operate efficiently. Any "parasitics" impact the efficiency and purity of the switching waveforms, causing slope variations, overshoots or undershoots during the transition. All of these factors affect the quality of sound reproduced. To better understand the fundamental principle of operation, it would help to look at the principle of operation of a switching amplifier (CLASS-D). Many articles are available online that can help you understand this better.

aball
2,016 posts
 

@aw-agd

If you read my post you will see that I’m assuming linear operation. I made the same mistake you did: I didn’t read carefully.

Also, it turns out you actually agree with my statement you said you disagree with, since 800k is high frequency.

And finally, I’m a PhD EE in power electronics who designs converters using GaN, so I’m already quite familiar, but thanks for your concern.

aw-agd
17 posts
 

@aball

After reading your last message, I am even more puzzled.

Who is he using GaN in linear mode???

Honestly, it makes no sense.

Also, instead of continuing this conversation via potentially misread posts, please give me a call anytime and I will be more than glad to see where this disconnection between whatever written and whatever implied, is.

bolong
602 posts
 

Fronting the Audions with a Primaluna EVO 400 pre-amp is the best of both worlds. .

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