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Music with differences between class A and class D amplifiers

Hello,

I own an ATI AT523NC Class D amplifier and recently purchased a Schiit Aegir Class A amplifier to compare two different approaches to amplification. I've been switching them back and forth all day but can't hear any difference at all between the two in my music. The good news is, both of them sound great.

Does anyone have any suggestions for music that sounded clearly different between their Class A and Class D amplifiers? If so, I would appreciate some pointers on what to listen for.

My setup is PC (Roon) -> Matrix Audio X-Sabre Pro DAC -> Schiit Freya Plus Pre-Amp -> Amplifier -> KEF LS50s.

Thank you for your help.
jllu
12 responses Add your response
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
jllu
As good as the Aegir is, it stll only 20watts, and that's a bit light on for the 84db efficiency of the LS50’s. I would prefer to see a 50w amp up them, especially with this comment
The electrical phase angle is generally mild, but the combination of 5.3 ohms and –41° at 135Hz, a frequency where music often has high energy, will make the speaker work at its best with a good, 4 ohm–rated amplifier.
Unless your in a small room near field, then it should be fine.

Cheers George
jllu OP
21 posts
 
Thanks George. Yes, this is a small room near field setup where theoretically the first few watts are the most important.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
LS50's aren't letting you hear the differences.
jllu OP
21 posts
 
From what I have read in other discussions as well as publications, LS50s are quite sensitive to amplification. When I include a crappy AVR in my listening test, the treble noticeably sounds more congested than either of the other amplifiers.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Although I have never used a class D amplifier I suspect that well engineered recordings of classical solo piano music, that contain a lot of high speed "transients," would be good choices for this purpose.  You would particularly look for how well notes in the treble region are reproduced, in terms of definition and "clean" transient response.

Here is an example of the kind of music I am referring to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wj1xQUUJ94U

Happy holidays!  Regards,
-- Al
 
jllu OP
21 posts
 
Thank you Al, I appreciate the help. Will take a listen tonight, happy holidays to you as well!
kw6
692 posts
 
Hey Jllu you just discovered the secret to audiophillia! If amps are operating within their parameters and not clipping and have same low distortion they sound basically the same. Don't be fooled into buying expensive amps put the money into your room and speakers where there is a rewarding difference. And don't get me started on cables. Lol
4diagrams
10 posts
 
+1 for kw6 comment
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
+1 kw6 !
marklings
61 posts
 
Kw you're great! 
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,625 posts
 
The answer is n/a.
Many other factors affect the "sound" besides topology.

No A, AB, D musical tests exist for good reason.
suix6
10 posts
 
try well recorded, fast music with heavy emphasis on bass: a lot of early 2000s and older RnBs and Hip Hop.

The most obvious differences IME were in how the music/bass ’’flows’’, the rhythm and dynamics
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