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question about switching, Class D, and Class A

I've been reading about Class D amps (which I believe is the same thing as a switching amp). From my reading it looks like class D amps are clearly inferior to class A. So I've pretty much ruled them out. How do you know if the amp is Class D? I don't find it in the specs for, say, the McIntosh MA6300 which I've heard is a "switching" amp. I heard switching amps are Class D.

The thing is in the past I've owned amps where Class A could be switched on and off. In Class A mode the amp ran much hotter. I mostly didn't use it because I didn't think the improvement in sound was worth all the extra heat.

Now I'm thinking about buying a new int. amp. My top two contenders are McIntosh integrateds and a Krell 400Xi. I understand the Krell is class A all the time and can get quite hot. Is this true? Also I was thinking about a Mchintosh MA6300 which I think might be class D. I needed something with a smaller footprint was why I was considering the MA6300 over the MA6500. I've listened to a lot of different manufacturers and the McIntosh sounded really good to me so I'm leaning that way.

What is y'alls thoughts on this whole class D/switching amp business vs. buying something else that going to generate a lot of heat? Is there something in-between?

regards, David
wireless200

Showing 1 response by vicdamone

vicdamone
850 posts
 
Wireless, as you can see there are plenty of folks who have managed to implement their many versions of class D amplifiers with success and I'll take a liberty here and say in some cases their success have been startling. It's also important to ask yourself why so many established manufactures are embracing this technology.

There are many great amplifiers out there and the class they've been pigeon holed into maybe more of a misleading hindrance than a tool when it comes to choosing a product. Even the gap between vacuum tube designs has narrowed considerably.

For me the excitement of this hobby comes from the first hand experience of using a product regardless of its pedigree and design and realizing I like the way it sounds. Be fair to yourself and keep the audition door open to everything.

Vic
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