Time to buy a class D amp?

I more of a believer that we "prefer" amplifier A vs amplifier B because of the way it makes our systems sound...to us...in our rooms...with our other equipment...and our selected music.  In this respect, there appears to be plenty of people buying class d amplifiers and then making detailed descriptions about why they enjoy their purchase, as much or more than their previous amplifiers.  This definitely describes my situation with the 2Cherry that I purchased from Cherry Amp six months ago...beautifully accurate tonality with veil removing clarity...the music is just more alive.

But, it is only fair to say that not everyone has found a class d amplifier that was good enough to remain in their systems.  To slightly paraphrase Herb Reichert in his review of the JBL A170...." In the realm of reviews, John Atkinson's measurements and my empirical observations have one important equivalency: Both are meaningless abstractions until confirmed by your listening experience".

I've owned 3 class d amps over the past five years.  The Crown XLS 2000 at $500 did some things right and some things wrong: good low end, ok midrange, bright top end, huge soundstage but two dimensional, and somewhat blurred detail...but for $500....kept this amp for several years.


I also owned a Nuprime STA-9...their class a/class d hybrid said to emulate the tube sound; $700, better low end...better detail...slightly more three dimensional but somewhat bright (in my system at least) in the upper midrange and top end....kept this amp for a couple months.

Now I own the Digital Amplifier Company 2Cherry...$2400 (for the past 6 months)...and for that increase in price, you would hope/expect that things would be a lot better...and they are, the best amp (including tube amps and class a/ab amps) that I have ever owned (so far?).  Great detail, great clarity, great soundstage, life like realism (in my system with Salk loudspeakers with RAAL tweeters).  No weaknesses...not a hint of brightness.

My advice...since amps DO sound different....and since class d amps are generally lighter in weight and less expensive to return....try 2 or 3 of them at the same time and send those back that don't give you the sound you are looking for....$50+- if return freight is nothing compared to getting to hear them in your home, on your system with your music.

@niodari

As you can see, more and more people are making class d amplifiers...or about to make class d amplifiers.  Unless you plan to hold on to it forever...or don't care about massive depreciation when you resell, I'd suggest you buy one that is well reviewed (much easier to resell) and which you don't see being offered for resale very often (meaning people tend to like them and hold on to them).

As for a 30 day trial period for a product shipped to Mexico....maybe it won't be possible....meaning it is even more important to buy a product with a good reputation that will be easy to resell if and when the time comes.

Good Luck