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.

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I have AGD Audions and Atma-Sphere Class D.

Both are excellent. Among the best ever.

The AGD are more tube-like and the Atmas are more dynamic and transparent.

PS Audio has Ice power Class D monoblocks. S1200 and 700 models

Rogue Audio has a Hybrid Tube/class D integrated. 

I purchased AGD Audion mono blocs last week . I have 86 hours on them and they are special....... THANKS Alberto.  I researched and read the reviews and owner impressions and can happily state that these aren't hyped products with gimmicky tubes. Give them a chance to get some hours and you will be rewarded. 

After auditioning Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra for 8 days, I had been listening to Line Magnetic 508 and Rogue Cronus Magnum II fitted with vintage tubes.

8 days is too short to reach clear conclusionl without doing cable rolling or comparsion with other refutable class D amp like Atmashphere or Audion.


But Starkrimson clearly has no serious fault at all.

It sounds very transparent with lot of details.

Soundstage is wide and deep enough ( not the best but close to it).



Starkrimson works nice with both Lansche 4.1 and Vaugn Cabernett II.

Thus it is a nice value for sure.

 

I recommend you try it by being in the line for tour.

https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/orchard-audio-starkrimson-stereo-ultra-amp-tour.1148415/

 

Thomas

@mglik In greater detail, how would you compare the Atmasphere and AGD amps?  I assume they’re both near SOTA, but would be very interesting to hear your impressions of the differences between the two for anyone who may be on the fence between these two awesome amps.  Thanks for any thoughts.