I've heard the 450 a few times and even considered buying one . The sound is quite good , less clinical than most class D's i've heard , bass was not on par with other good solid state designs . As much as I liked it , I just couldn't get into it , didn't have that foot taping rhythm . As much as I admired it , it wasn't on par with there tube amps , and thats coming from a guy thats not a tubie .
Looking at the Audio Research DS450 - once again
.....I am once again at a position to seriously think about this amp. I have no access to litening to it ....and based on dealers, and reviews...it seems like an all around winner. Yet as much as they work around it,...it is a class D amp. Maybe ARC has developed one that does actually sound good. I would like to hear from members who have listened to it, bought it....or said no to it. Please, if you haven't done any any of these no need to respond