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The Truth about Modern Class D

All my amps right now are Class D. ICEpower in the living room, and NAD D 3020 in the bedroom.

I’ve had several audiophiles come to my home and not one has ever said "Oh, that sounds like Class D."

Having said this, if I could afford them AND had the room, I’d be tempted to switch for a pair of Ayre monoblocks or Conrad Johnson Premiere 12s and very little else.

I’m not religious about Class D. They sound great for me, low power, easy to hide, but if a lot of cash and the need to upgrade ever hits me, I could be persuaded.

The point: Good modern Class D amps just sound like really good amplifiers, with the usual speaker/source matching issues.

You don’t have to go that route, but it’s time we shrugged off the myths and descriptions of Class D that come right out of the 1980’s.
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by bigkidz

bigkidz
3,427 posts
 
It does not come down to like or dislike as much IMO as it comes down to the system and comparisons.  I have a friend of mine who has Class-D amps and fells like many that they compete in the market for sound quality and price.  He has told me that same thing about many other components he has owned.  It is only when he finally hears something that presents a difference in his system that he recognizes the sound differences and why. Until he hears that, he feels he has something that is very good.  I guess I need to get him the Class A amp my partner built recently to see if he hears any difference.  Until then we both won't really know if he is correct or not.

Happy Listening.
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