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 soundhound

I have Martin Logan CLX's which are difficult to optimally drive due to their capacitive load  which produces very high impedance in the bass and extremely low impedance in the upper treble.  I have used a number of good amps to drive them ranging from Class A Pass amps, the Pass Labs 100.5's, the Coda 15.5, to class AB, Krell Evolution 402e and Rowland 625's, and a good tube amp, the ARC Ref 150.  All had good points but one could criticize each depending on your tastes.  I also used a single Benchmark AHB2 which could not handle this speaker; however, two AHB2's in mono are surprisingly excellent and give away nothing to the previously listed amps.  The AHB2 is an overperformer but not Class D.  

Of the Class D amps I have personally auditioned on the CLX's, clearly the best was the Merrill Element 116's which can clearly handle the CLX's  providing transparency and detailing equivalent to the AHB2's,  a neutral tonal balance,  images extremely well and has excellent dynamics l.  It does not sound like any of the Class D amps I have previously heard.  I have not auditioned the Technics amp nor the most recent Purifi based amps or every Class A or Class AB amp out there, but I suspect that the Merrill Element amps would compare well against any amp near their price range.  In the end it comes down to your own preferences.  It is a platitude, but each of us may prefer one flavor or the next and how each amp's idiosyncrasies will interact with your room.