Time to buy a class D amp?

My theory is that the very high damping factors unique to class D amps was truncating the decay times of the bass notes.

IMO it is possible to overdamp loudspeakers and thus truncate the bass notes, ending up with a coloration called 'tight bass'.

In this regard, amps have outstripped loudspeakers in terms of advancing the art. What I mean by this is for an amplifier to be a true voltage source, it has to have a very low output impedance, and while most speakers (certainly not all!) are meant to be driven by a voltage source amplifier, the simple fact is that they also should not be overdamped, and most high powered solid state amps do just that. No speaker made needs more than about 20:1 as a damping factor. But we see amps that have 500:1 and more- there is no way these amps can avoid coloring the bass as a result.


IOW I agree with your observations.

The good Nelson Pass posted some interesting musings on high vs. low impedance amps and drivers and how they might be matched up here:

https://www.passdiy.com/project/amplifiers/current-source-amplifiers-and-sensitive-full-range-driver...

Fun stuff.

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.  

 I currently have two listening spaces, one with an AB amp, the other with D monoblocs. The D monoblocs sound great.

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

Cheers George

Hello serhan62,

     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.

Tim