2. amps-preamps
  3. 161730-130690

High end Class D amps?

Just an observation and a question. Are there 'high end' Class D amps out there that are just as good as Class A, A/B amps? I realize that's a sensitive question to some and I mean no disrespect---but whenever I see others' hifi systems on social media, all of the amps are A or A/B. There's always Pass, McIntosh, Moon, Luxman, Accuphase, etc. Where are the Class Ds? For folks out there that want more power for less efficient speakers and can't afford the uber expensive Class As, A/Bs, what is there to choose from that's close to those brands? Thanks
bluorion

Showing 2 responses by cooperjack

cooperjack's avatar
cooperjack
22 posts
 
I'll add a vote for the PS Steller S-300. I have been using one for several years. It needs a good power cord like the Anticables. It sounds fantastic in my application. FYI I also own a Pass XA-25 that's also great. They are both fantastic amps that just present music in a slightly different manner. Neither is fatiguing. I am surprised the Stellar is so great as I have been a class D sceptic for years. The class A input stage on the Stellar must be responsible. Anyway, there's a large difference in the price of these two amps. I could happily listen to music played by either.
cooperjack's avatar
cooperjack
22 posts
 
"curious to hear your characterization of the sound quality difference between the pass and stellar

pls advise your speakers and source"

My source is either Qobuz through a Schitt Gungir Dac or from my turntable. I've recently spent a lot of time getting the turntable and arm correct. Tonearm is a Dynavector DV 505 with a Denon 103 R moving coil cartridge.  The tone arm has been rewired with Anticables level 6.2 interconnects. (I ditched the DIN connector and wire which made a very audible difference.) All interconnects are Anticables level 6.2 single ended or balanced using the same wire. Line stage preamp is a PS Stellar Gain Cell. The S-300 is connected via balanced Anticable interconnects.  All power cords by Anticable. (You could say I'm an Anticables fan.)  The speakers are Fuselier 2.5, subwoofer is a REL T-5 i connected to the speaker terminals of the power amp via Speakon cable. 

Before using the S-300 I used a Manley Stereo 120 or a Threshold 400A.

The Pass XA-25  is in a different small system driving Kef LS 50's and a REL T-5i. 

I like both amplifiers and did not expect to like the Stellar as much as I do. It very clean, quiet, and uncolored without being cold or "etched sounding" like I'd always thought of Class D amps.  The Pass is a little warmer sounding and better. But heck it's almost 3 times the price.

I have owned a lot of amps over my years in this hobby and found the class of the amp is not always an indicator of how it's going to sound.  A lot has to do with how the designer voices it.  
 
As always your mileage may vary..

Good luck listening,





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