So what does the A mean?
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
Showing 4 responses by fastfreight
+1 jaytor! |
Wow. Class D haters. There are Class D amps that suck and SS amps that suck. It is in the implementation, to a point, without having to discuss which is the Holy Grail. I had PS Audio Hybrid tube / Class D M700's. Replaced them with a used Classe CA-2300 SS amp which was much better. (to me, all the reasons etc). Replaced the Classe SS amp with a pair of used Mola Mola Kaluga's. Class D with awesome implementation. Blew away the Classe SS amp. Now I have Audionet Max SS amps. Guess what? Superior to the Mola Mola's but at a cost. Just because there is a 'module' does not make all Class D amps equal. And there is much more than just measurements. Listen at a given price point and decide for yourself. Pros and Cons always. My Kaluga's are still looking beautiful in our family room, driving Salon 2's extremely well. And the Revel's are power hungry. It would take a big amp or big pair of amps for SS to beat them. I know; I have such a large pair in my basement and love them too! Happy Holidays! Ken |
bluorion: You wondered about Mola Mola. Of this I can speak from experience. A pair came up locally for sale and I went to audition them. I was blown away by the dynamics at the seller's home, but unsure since the system and setting were very different. So the gentleman was kind enough to travel with me to audition the Kalugas in my system. Again, I was blown away. They made my Revel Salon 2's sing and explode like nothing I had heard prior. They easily bested my current Classe Audio CA-2300, as well as the former PS Audio Stellar 300's. I put them in and out of my system comparing the Classe. I heard much more dynamic bass...tight and controlled..but also heard sparkle and sounds I had previously not heard. Used, for under 7k. I now have added the Makua Preamp with internal Tambaqui. I believe it is the implementation of the the Class D technology, just as with any component, that makes it excellent or not. One should not evaluate all class D amplifiers as equal. I have my heavy amps downstairs...Audionet..and they are better. But the size, ease, appearance and sound of these Mola Mola components are winners! |