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Red Dragon's new S500 Class D Amp

I know Class D amps are not held in high regard here. But I would really like to hear some opinions of the published specifications of this new amp. Red Dragon offers a 45 day trial period and I am tempted. The specs look quite impressive. If anyone has actually listened to it that would be even better.

The internals of this amp are the S-Pro2 from Pascal, a Danish company. The detailed audio specs can be found here in PDF form under the Product Flyer column. [url]http://pascal-audio.com/amplifier-modules.html[url]

The link to the Red Dragon product page is here: [url]http://www.reddragonaudio.com/collections/amplifiers/products/s500[url]

Really would appreciate some opinions even if just based on the specs.
128x1281extreme

Showing 2 responses by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
I haven't heard the PASCAL amp module making class D power but I have never loved the sound of the usual class D suspects. I have to say this one looks intriguing and I like it when an amp doubles down into 4 Ohm (like good ole class A). The 12Lb heft also ads credibility. The one reviewer didn't exactly go overboard with compliments, so we will have to see if the small size amp big power output is a winner or just another almost. Class D does do a great job with power hungry subs, again, lets see if it can go up the sound spectrum.
It is going to take an awful lot to take tube amps from me so perhaps I am not the best judge.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
You are right about the Kappa nines and eights needing a lot of power. I tend to think of power as high current power, I am not sure if the new amp modules fill that general requirement. We can talk about it forever and never know. The only way you can be sure at this point is to try the amps out. It is, for better or worse, the new business paradigm, now that we have killed off our brick and mortar establishments.
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