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Time to buy a class D amp?


Will some new class D amplifiers outperforming the current ones appear soon

(the newest ones i know were released a  few years ago)?

Class D amps attract me as I consider them the most ecological ones with obvious non-auditionable benefits.

I have no doubts that they posses the maximum ratio performance/sound quality among the amplifiers of all classes.

At the same time, the sound quality the class D amplifiers that I have auditioned produce, although is quite good,

but not yet ideal (for my taste).


I use PS Audio Stellar S300 amp with PS audio Gain Cell pre/DAC with Thiel CS 3.6 speakers in one of my systems.

The sound is ok (deep bass, clear soundstage) but not perfect (a bit bright and somehow dry, lacking warmness which might be more or less ok for rock but not for jazz music).

I wonder if there are softer sounding class D amps with the same or better details and resolution. Considering two reasonable (as to the budget) choices for test, Red Dragon S500 and Digital Audio Company's

Cherry  2 (or Maraschino monoblocks), did anybody compare these two?



128x128niodari
audiozenology
362 posts
 
I was thinking more of snubbers for diodes (transformers), but realistically any circuit with reactive elements.  The output impedance of the amplifier is part of the overall electrical circuit and hence the total electro-mechanical assembly and hence impacts ringing/resonance. I guess I made my point poorly ;-)
serhan62
14 posts
 
@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

serhan62
14 posts
 
@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 :)
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

That went nowhere for me.🤷‍♂️
Would have been nice to know what each amp sounded like driving both speakers, oh well, thanks I guess.🤷‍♂️

Cheers George
niodari's avatar
niodari OP
300 posts
 
I wish you all to enjoy the sound that you get from your current audio gear, and further, to be able to improve it according to your needs and taste. Perhaps, there is no absolute audio reproduction that is equally good for all. Besides, sometimes a good or bad quality recording makes much more difference than thousands of dollars spent on the upgrades and "improvement". Everything in this life is relative (as Einstein has taught). On an ideal recording reproduced on an ideal equipment you may get what you want, but it is difficult to have permanently both of them... 

Happy New Year! 
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