New Class D amplifiers
Hello. I'm very interested in getting your opinion on the newer Class D amplifiers. There has been a couple of very positive reviews (by Guttenberg) of the Bel Canto C6i and NAD M23. These, and perhaps some others are offering new technology that significantly lower the class D noise level and other drawbacks.
I currently use a Class A amp, Pass Labs INT-25 (with Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers) which has a wonderful sound. But I am transitioning to another location, and due to using Roon primarily I find that this system stays on most of the day. Due to heat and power usage of Class A amplifiers, I'm interested in translating to Class D if I find something comparable.
@ricevs mentioned this new brand to me a few days ago. Ric is modding my Peachtree GAN1 (to his preferences of course). This other amp he mentioned is the same as the GAN1 in spirit. It is more robust in that it has a volume, analog inputs, likely better software, and USB and SPDIF. It also has some audiophile name recognition and cost a lot more money (which makes some happy). Maria Amplifiers – Daniel Hertz SA Not sure if it has a remote.
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The modded GAN1 is close sonically to my CODA #16 amp. The CODA has the first 100 watts class A and has 150 total at 8. It doubles to 2 Ohm though the Class A likely goes down with Ohms. It is a very elegant sounding amp but with massive power. Too much power for my KEF LS50 Metas. I get a bit of ear fatigue because the #16 puts out a bit too much bass out of the LS50 Meta (without a sub). The modded GAN1 is ALMOST as good power wise as the CODA #16. That extra bass on the #16 is nice, but not for long periods in my small room. I use the GAN1 in my office and the CODA #16 sits idle (will be used in a much bigger room later). |
I gave the PeachTree GAN400 a nice long trial run on my office Magnepan LRS+. I used a Holo Audio Serene preamp (amazing) and my trusty old Benchmark DAC3B. The GAN400 drove the LRS+ very well. Almost as good as my CODA #16. However, the CODA #16 had much more engaging sound to it. If the GAN400 is 8.5/10 then the CODA was a 10/10. I used the CODA with a Benchmark LA4 preamp and DAC3B. However, those components were moved to my main rig so the GAN400 was purchased. I put the Peachtree GAN1 (modded by EVS) back into the LRS+. It lacks a bit of power compared to the GAN400. I also need to move the volume dial on ROON higher than when using my preamps. However, it is a very engaging sound. Like the CODA #16 but with less deep power. This is tolerable with the LRS+ speakers and my small office. The PeachTree GAN400 is being returned. It is good but the modded GAN1 is great, even if it could use a small boost in power for the LRS+. I got to figure out how to connect my KEF KC62 sub to the GAN1. It so much easier to hook up the sub when using a preamp like the LA4 or Serene.
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