Solid State Amplifier Advancements In A Decade

I've noticed much more linear "better" transistor design. Pre-driver and output driver transistors are just better. Replace the older ones with transistors of like specifications, especially the output drivers and you will hear a marked improvement in sound. It is more difficult than rolling tubes, but the same effect.

Also, better internal isolations and shielding for components.

I really haven't seen a major technological improvement in circuit design. regulators, power supply, circuit topology, etc. no real major changes. Just better components, layouts, etc. And as I wrote earlier, better transistors.

The best way to find new technology is to look at the recent patents that have been awarded in circuit design and see if Manufacturers have incorporated those into their new amp designs. I really haven't heard of much lately.

I think that many older amps are just as good as the new amps, if you update the transistors to newer, more linear transistors and maybe remove some extraneous circuitry that really isn't needed. Such as some protection circuitry. Nice to have, but really not needed for amplifications of signals. But, it does effect the sound, because it does touch the signal path.

It is kind of funny to me reading about tube amps and how owners roll tubes left and right with no after thought and people really don't realize that transistors (same specs) do and effect the sound exactly the same way. Just harder to get to on some amps.

Case in point. Mark Levinson 23.5. What a real PITA to work on.

My real point is that if you look at the circuit schematics of older and newer amp designs, you really won't see major differences in the very good amp designs. Just layout, component used and a few tricks.

That said, I haven't seen the Dartzeel amp schematic.

A visit to the patent office is in order.

enjoy

I agree with Unsound. That was the basis of my response earlier. I do agree with some of what Bombaywalla wrote. However, in my opinion as an Engineer, much of what he has described has been around for quite some time.

I agree that class D amp design has come quite far, but, we weren't talking about that.

in my opinion, a major technology change will have to happen to supplant the current technology.

Maybe recording, processing and playback based on something other than electricity.

Having designed and worked on circuits, amps, pre-amps, filters, etc. for some time, I can say that good amp/circuit design is just that. There are some very good older designs out there that can definitely stand with the latest and greatest of today. They also managed to squeeze the best out of some not so great components. Sometimes one is limited by the technology of the era.

What I'm finding is that current Japanese transistor technology is also really amazing. That is a step forward.

Look at cars. How long has the internal combustion engine been around? We've greatly improved the efficiency of internal combustion engines, but they are still just that. Controlled explosions turning some machinery. We should be wayyyy past that by now. Don't get me started as to why we aren't.

But, I can tell you that the circuit/amp designers mentioned and many that weren't are absolutely amazing. I still go back and re-read some of Nelson Pass' early papers. Still relevant today. But, if this "hobby" was a popular as automobiles, we would see some major technology breakthroughs. In my opinion.

Look at what happened to phone and computer design/technology. It is changing on an exponential scale.

Who is stepping up to take over for excellent audio designers and move the industry a step or two forward?

I tell you. I count myself as fortunate that I can sit and listen (and still hear) my system/music with a good book, company, and a good glass of wine and appreciate it.

I love it.

enjoy