Time to buy a class D amp?

Hi,

This is in response to the original post of Niodari.  I have the same setup but for power amplification I use M700 monoblocs.  For my digital front I have the DirectStream with Bridge II, and for my analogue front I use two turntables with PS Audio's Stellar Phono Preamp. I enjoy listening to Jazz and Classical.

Before considering a new amp, may I suggest looking at interconnects, and speaker cables as well as the incoming power line for interference from any transformers / adapters that are connected in parallel. I would start with the power conditioner and the devices that share it with the pre - power combo.  

One of the options you may want to test-drive is Van Den Hul The Second in XLR format. Linear Carbon has unique audio characteristics. Once you have exhausted the possibility of improvement with interconnects, you may wish to test-drive your speaker cables. There reasonably priced very good cables from AudioQuest, Tellurium Q, QED, Black Rhodium, and Chord Co.  

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to all.
@noble100 
@georgehifi 
When listening to a system, a person can decide whether this is their sound or not.  A year ago, I auditioned the top Devialet amp, and thought "this is not my sound"  I had a similar feeling with McIntosh Labs setup 25 years ago. This never means they are bad products, but they are not for me.  In the domain of hi-fi, each person has their sound as much as they have their music. Even in theatres, we have a preference for certain seats over others. Our ears are the judge and though we casually ask friends and family for their views, the ultimate decisions remains one's own ears.  

Also, a system sounds as good as its weakest component. So, this is why reviewers list associated equipment including cables in order to contextualise their verdict on the item being reviewed. 

In my time, I owned tubes, hybrids, pure class A, AB, and D.  For power amplification, I currently have two listening spaces, one with an AB amp, the other with D monoblocs. The D monoblocs sound great.  There is no noise, no distortion, and I do not have to keep them on 24/7.  

@noble100 

Hi Tim,
Thank you.  Very well said indeed!

     I've become a big fan of class D amps through research and personal experience gained by using several examples in my own system. But I believe all amp types have their pros, cons, compromises and limitations and that class D amps are not the best choice for everyone.
     I believe it's very important to match the amp(s) used to one's speakers while also considering one's personal preferences and tastes. I understand the truth is that all amp types are capable of providing excellent sound quality and performance results when properly matched to one's speakers but that all amp types are not suitable for all speaker types.  
     I also know that, once an individual discovers a good match between amp(s) and their speakers that performs well and they enjoy the sound quality of or even numerous combinations, I have absolutely no interest or concern in dissuading them from utilizing that combination or combinations.

It's about time to start enjoying music!
 
Happy New Year

@georgehifi 

Ok I'll bite, which do you prefer the "sound of" forget everything else?

Hi George,

Context allows us to appreciate each system on its own merit.  Let me put it this way: it is like comparing reference-grade analogue playback to reference-grade digital playback.  You stop worrying about sound quality and focus on the music, right?  I am at this point already (within my budget constraints of course).  For the sake of the argument, the AB stereo amp has been driving a pair of Martin Logan speakers for six years, and the D mono blocks have been driving a pair of Dynaudio contours for more than a year.  Both setups reproduce music that engages me, my family and my visitors. No defects, no failures. What else could I ask for?
Wish you all happy listening :)