Has anyone switched from Class AB/A to Class D? Was it better? Was it worse?


I heard a class D amp the other day (Lyngdorf) and it sounded really good. I liked the minimalism of it also. But, I need to own a amp for a couple of months to really know if I like it or not. I don't like room correction ether, so I just liked the sound without that. 

Curious, has anyone ever switched from a class AB or class A amp to a class D amp? If so, did you regret it? Was it a downgrade in sound? Or was it upgrade in sound? 

 

dman777

Showing 2 responses by jrareform

As others have mentioned, it seems the topology of the amplifier isn’t what’s important but the implementation.  I really enjoy both my Class A Pass Labs XA30.8 and my Class D Primare A60.  They each have a different sound.  The Primare almost sounds like some tube amps I’ve heard.  Just very smooth and nice to listen to.  The Pass is... well a Pass Labs... absolutely amazing with detail, imaging, tonal accuracy etc.  But it also is like having a heater in my studio when it’s running.  I have a solid climate control setup and only run the amplifier when I’m using the system but yea it’s a lot.  I’ve also tried quite a few A/B and D amps that just didn’t cut it compared to these amps.

Best advice I can give is if there’s ANY way to demo that piece of gear, then do that before purchasing unless you get a very good deal and don’t mind reselling.  You just never know what it’s going to sound like in your system until you get to live with it for a while and A/B it with your current setup.  Class D are lightweight so at least they aren’t rough with shipping costs!  Best of luck to you OP!  Please tell us what you decide.

@hbarrel always a good point in these sorts of discussions.  Ultimately that is all that matters.

However, discussing brands and topology can be a fruitful conversation if people always remember the point you bring up as they discuss these things and remember that we all have different ears, systems and are at different points of our journey.