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New Generation Class D - AGD Audion Mkiii upgrade

I have always had a preference for horn-loaded loudspeakers which, whilst typically easy to drive, can be quite revealing (good/bad) of any changes in the system. I am running Avantgarde Duo’s and have until now always preferred valve amplifiers for their mid-range and lack of fatigue.

I have heard a number of Class D amplifiers and one or two have sounded pretty good but a bit lean compared to valves. Tha changed when I purchased a pair of AGD Audion Mkii amplifiers. The Audions have an almost valve-like mid-range but with a wonderfully transparent top end and great sound-staging. It’s always been difficult to get really convincing bass with my Avantgarde’s because if you increase the bass level the low frequencies can sound detached from the glorious mids/highs. This changed with the Audions as the bass is faster, more dynamic and just overall more satisfying.

These compact amplifiers have what appears to be a valve for each amplifier. This ‘valve’ glows red and I rather like the effect. I did think this was a bit of a gimmick at first but it contains a Gallium Nitride MOSFET power stage. However, this ‘GAN-Tube’ means that if an improvement is developed you can just swap the tubes for the new version. That is exactly what I have done as AGD have launched a Mkiii ‘GAN-Tube.

I was extremely happy with my Mkii Audions and wasn’t sure what to expect with the Mkiii tubes. But as audiophiles it’s difficult to resist an upgrade. The new tubes were fitted in under 5 minutes. I’ve found most components need time to warm-up and ‘burn-in’ so wasn’t expecting too much initially. However, it immediately became apparent that, even at very low volume, there was more detail. I pumped up the volume and was astounded by the wider soundstage which extended beyond the speakers and allowed you to pick out instruments and vocals even clearer. This is something that I’ve found difficult to achieve with Avantgarde’s and I didn’t have with my previous OTL amp. Dynamics are a strength with horns and the Audions really produce a ‘live’ sound, quite startling at times. I’m not great at describing all the audiophile things but would just say that these amps make the system sound so enjoyable and exciting to listen to. They are the best by far that I’ve had in my system.

I know some people will have a hesitation over Class D amps (like I did) but I really think this next generation amps like the AGD Audions will become more and more popular once people get the chance to hear them.

rocketiii

Showing 3 responses by audioman58

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,877 posts
 

How much are these ?  There is much newer digital boards this year 

I am waiting to see when Atma- Sphere will be tak8ng the next step up in technologies , Ralph doesnot exactly state  the module 

which I feel as a ex dealer you should state the Brand and model modules you are using for you are customizing the modules,and Analog section anyway it’s not 

giving up any bodies recipes ,and in truth you should be using their latest flagship 

modules for these boards are not that expensive ,and ,realize you have to mark it up 4x minimum to sell ,and sell8ng factory direct you cut the 45% middleman.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,877 posts
 

Ok Then Ralph I have heard your mono-blocks vs a class AB stereo amp 

that’s was 2x the price and a bit better in several areas That the vast majority agreed ,for the $$ monies your mono blocks are a very good deal.

when you take it to the next level vs say a very good class A amplifier , or very good class AB amps of our well known Danish companies , then myself and many others are waiting for that , look at Merrill their insane pricing ,and IMO wasted $$ on these fancy cases , a respectable look and we’ll damped chassis is more important put the $$ inside where it counts, I highly recommend using a top Furutech IEC their $75 retail being copper and gold remove Thst bottleneck judt coming in , maybe upgrading some of the filtering caps ,or putting a decent .1 poly cap on electrolytics , or Bellison  regulators which are the best , man6 ways to make this a SE type quality as well as other higher quality parts look at Silmic or other smoothing  caps .having spent over 20 years just in experimenting with the tonal balances of each caps and Electrolytics by far the worst in noise and filtering with poly caps , output caps , look at VH audio Odam caps ,even wire !Neotech Teflon 6-9s pure Copper  wire makes a difference , or Cardas Litz  wire.

I am just repeating what others too have said ,we all have opinions throw in VU meters in Australia very good ,for minimal cost .

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,877 posts
 

What’s you opinion of them say take a 6SN7 vacuum tube and use as a hybrid  ?

I see rogue doing this in a Less complex way. , I have been into modding Loudspeakers mostly myself ,but keep an open mind on the latest Class D modules 

and how to take advantage of this ,servos,and Switching is getting better and GAN transistors , how to make a better wheel ?   
how or why can Merrill try to justify over $20 k+ for their amps ,they are very good 

but  newer technologies are progressing think about how you too can make it better 

remove $$ constraints what would you add.  Look at T+A  their 200 dac for example is excellent and beats the competition at less then 1/2 it’s cost.

switch mode power supplies can in fact be better then Linear power supplies ,

they have clearly proved that .  That’s why I am waiting to hear the latest phase in

class D technologies. Moving forward, I will then make a purchase .

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