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 greenwichct

greenwichct
6 posts
 
I'm an early adopter of Boenicke's new P1 class D amp.  It's basic, but it does it very well.  Pair w/Boenicke W8SE+ speakers on a swing base; you'll be blown away.  

https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/electronics/p1/
          300 W into 8 Ohms
  • Mechanically tuned Powersoft amplifier module
  • Chord Company Shawline AC power cord directly soldered in (10% silver solder), no screwed or plugged contacts!
  • 3 LessLoss newest generation Firewall filters in AC input
  • Custom – made AC softstart module on FR2 circuit board, trimmed to exact resonator length
  • Bybee Small GOLD Slipstream Quantum Purifier filters in the audio input
  • 3 proprietary resonators installed (16-cm parallel spiral resonator, 16-cm series spiral resonator, new 2 cm series resonator)
  • ETI Research RCA input sockets
  • LessLoss internal cotton-covered wiring
  • Black Ravioli Small Pads feet
  • High-End, orientation optimised Refine Audio fuse installed with unique contact enhancing agent
  • Solid walnut backplate. No, aluminum does not sound the same.

greenwichct
6 posts
 
My baseline was a six year old McIntosh MA-7900 which was lovely and warm, in addition to being easy on the eyes. My speakers were B&W 804Ds -- pretty mainstream... That said, I’m in a new home office and while generously proportioned, I need an amp with a much smaller footprint.

Engaging the folks at Boenicke in Basel for advice, Sven responded directly and suggested that, if patient, I could be an early adopter and trial the new P1 amp (Class D).  I’m running his W5SE+ speakers (ridiculously expensive) and sold on their standards of excellence, so I waited...

Now being a month into enjoying the setup, I’m enormously pleased. I’ll next upgrade my W5’s to Boenicke’s W8SE+ floor standers (on a swing base). The W8’s footprint in relation to the W5’s on stands is only modestly larger, but the added volume delivers what can only be heard to be believed.

https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/electronics/p1/
https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/loudspeakers/w5/
https://boenicke-audio.ch/products/loudspeakers/w8/


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