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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 1 response by rajugsw

rajugsw
194 posts
 
Class D for Bass is the Best. For Upper Bass/Midrange/Treble. I run Orchard Audio STARKRIMSON Amplifers for those sections and an ICE Power AS-1000 Class D Amp for the Bass Drivers (one inside each KEF 105/3 cabinet). All fed from a BAT VK-50SE. The best of both worlds !

Sometimes for fun, I'll run my McIntosh MC50's on the  Upper Bass/Midrange/Treble. The difference in SQ is minimal between the Mac and the STARKRIMSON even though the Orchard Audio amp peaks at 300W@4 Ω whereas the McIntosh peaks out at only 70W@4Ω.

The McIntosh's however are way more reliable whereas the STARKRIMSON Amplifiers have self destructed both in my system and at a friends house. Such a beautiful sounding Amplifier in such a small package. Add some Voltage Overload Protection on the DC in, and Speaker Short Circuit Protection on the output and you will have a World Class Amplifier that the majors should worry about. 

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