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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
duckworp's avatar
duckworp
257 posts
 
The Japanese company Spec design very well regarded Class D amps that are apparently very valve-like in tone, though they are not the mega-watt things that a lot of people seem to use Class D for.

I have 300W Class D amps in each of my semi-active speakers and they work brilliantly at driving bass.  But the passive end of the speakers I prefer driving with Class A.. It is the perfect combination.
gavman's avatar
gavman
135 posts
 
Another vote for Bel Canto.
I'm using the Reference 600 monoblocks as a stopgap to drive my Focal Stella Utopias while i save for Boulder 2160. The fun doesn't stop, i can't believe how well they perform
agdrago
2 posts
 
What an interesting thread. Is anyone using subs that have high impedance inputs, like RELs, with class D amps? Do you notice any difference in the performance of the subs, or an impact on the performance of the full range speakers?
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,008 posts
 
I always thought pure class A amplification was most ideal.  So why manufacture Class D amps?  I think Class D amps push and pull the speakers, not sure.  I like the ARCAM AVR 850 because it produces pure Class A amplification the first 50 amps.  Really sounds great.
linndrum808
18 posts
 
These things are great https://6moons.com/audioreviews/acousticimagery/1.html
The company went under. They sound in some way better than my 50K VAC amp.
Please give them a listen. 
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