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The Future of Audio Amplification

I have recently paired an Audio Research DS225 Class D amplifier with an Audio Research tube preamplifier (SP8 mkii). I cannot believe how wonderful and lifelike my music sounds. The DS225 replaced an Audio Research SD135 Class AB amplifier. Perhaps the SD135 is just not as good as some of the better quality amps that are out there, but it got me thinking that amazingly wonderful sonance can be achieved with a tubed pre and Class D amp. I have a hunch that as more people experience this combination, it will likely catch on and become the future path of many, if not most audiophile systems. It is interesting that Audio Research has been at the forefront of this development.
distortions

Showing 8 responses by aolmrd1241

aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
My currently owned..and loved..Merrill Audio Veritas monoblocks [class D] have thoroughly spanked both my previously owned Edge NL 10 and Music Reference RM 9 MKII tube amp. And I mean... s-p-a-n-k-e-d !!! 

I plan on a future upgrade to Merrill's new Element 114 monos as soon as they become available... Merrill's new proprietary design using the  gallium nitride transistors as a launch point will lay to rest the silly notion of class d amps being inferior to any other design...can't wait. 

 


aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
kosst_amojan said..."What does anything I said have to do with what I’ve ’heard’ ?"

Well...Everything!!!!! How can you comment on a technology that you have not even ’heard’ in a well set up high end system? I suggest that when you get the time...go give a listen to what your preconceived notion about a class d amp can not possibly be. Please let us know when you have ’heard’ for yourself.

aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
kosst_amojan

Listening preferences are in the ear of the beholder. If class d doesn't float your boat,that's fine with me. Enjoy the journey...
aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
emcdade said..."Then we auditioned it in the dealer room next to all the Class AB amps and it just fell on its face. Dry, sterile, and uninvolving when you really go head to head with Class AB."


Being a realist... your description of the class d amp above can also be said of many class AB designs also... Amp design implementation is just as important as anything else...all things being equal. 

aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
Not at any rock concert I ever attended...8)
aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
kosst_amojan said... "people replacing SMPS's every day and every guy who's ever worked on CNC machines. There's nothing cheaply or poorly engineered about Mazak or Haas machine tools and they can't seem to make these power supplies last."   


Heat buildup inside any CNC machine beyond the intended tolerances of said machine will most definitely put a strain on all internal parts. Not to mention the vibration from motors and the humid conditions in and around the machines from in shop humidity levels and the coolants used to reduce friction. There are many variables in an industrial setting to make any well designed piece of equipment go south in a hurry...  
aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 

Hello guidocorona...Any time frame on the Rowland M535’s review release? I’m very much interested on what you have to say about them. Wondering how they may compete with Merrill’s Veritas monos. Thanks...
aolmrd1241
1,043 posts
 
Here is another GaN amp to add to the list...

http://agdproduction.com/gantube.html

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