Class D amplifiers barely scratch the surface of the capabilities of GaN semiconductor devices. Compared to Si devices, GaN can operate a higher frequencies, higher voltages, higher power and higher temperature. An amplifier can be designed to take advantages of these greater capabilities. Just swapping out Si devices with GaN devices would do little to change the amplifier but if you design the amp to run a higher frequency with fewer devices then things may sound different.
GaN FET Amps vs. Traditional Class D Amps
I'm trying to get a better understanding of GaN FET amplifier technology. Whenever I see a write up on GaN FET based amplifiers they are always compared against class A or class A/B amps. What I'm more interested in is how they compare to the current generation of 'traditional' class D designed amplifiers, both technically and sonically. Can anyone explain it to me?
Thank you.