The Truth about Modern Class D

I'm new to digital music, but not analog.  I have a vintage McIntosh system that's been my main system for almost 20 years.

I started building a listening room digital system about 4 months ago.  I'm mostly-retired and didn't want to spend too much on it.  I got a good deal on a new NAD M12/M22 v2 combo, a used pair of Tannoy 8 dcti speakers; and a demo Innous Zenith MK2.  

At first, I was not very happy with my new purchases.  As the equipment has aged and I've bought better speaker wire, interconnects, and power cords, I've experienced a dramatic improvement in SQ - but at times, the highs are still too bright.  I plan to treat my room within the next 30 days, hoping that will help enough.  If not, I'll have some decisions to make.

erik_squires
Old school, get professional help from GIK

and don't neglect the flooring, between and behind the speakers. Try using pillows and blankets to test with for free. :)

Erik, thanks much for the advice.  I have throw rugs, over a tile floor, in front of the speakers.  I'm going to try pillow and blankets today!  I saw another suggestion on agon about hanging towels behind the speaker as a test.  I've got plenty of towels and nothing to loose.

The dealer who sold me the Zenith came to my house with an assortment of demo diffusers, absorbers, and bass traps.  I could have purchased them at a good price, but the colors did not fit my taste or room, and some panels looked worn.  But, I will say, the SQ improved with them.  

I'm educating myself on DIY acoustic treatment and have been corresponding with RealTraps.  This past week, I began researching GIK products.  I plan to call GIK after the holidays, send pictures of my setup, and go from there. 

Regarding Class D amps, the NAD M22 v2 uses Hypex nCore technology; and overall I'm quite happy with M12/M22 combo//Zenith MK2.  The sound and SQ is different than that produced by my 90's era McIntosh C31v pre and MC2600 PA; and my 80's era SoundCraftsman SP4001 EQ/pre and Pioneer SPEC-4 PA.  Since the source material, technologies, and speakers are different with each setup, I think that should be expected.  I use each system different.  My vintage analog gear is in a rather large basement bar/sitting/pool room area; the digital gear in my basement listening room. 

If I can warm the listening room sound a bit and reduce the echo chamber effect with the right room treatment (and may different cables, cords, and interconnects), I'll be a happier camper.

I use a NAD M12/M22 v2 combination and, overall, I'm very happy with the SQ.  I'm a bit new to digital equipment, and since this is my first digital system, I have nothing else to compare it to - other than auditioning components at a dealer.