What are the best GaN Amplifiers available today?

For reasons so obvious they don't bear mentioning, Ralph has earned credibility with his products over decades. The endless essay writing challenging Ralph in seemingly every class D thread is tiresome, and I simply read all the atmasphere posts so I can learn about this technology, skip all the posturing, and try and see if any on-topic posts might be spotted among the dross.

I have the Shultz midded LSA Voyager GAN amplifier. The error is by omission not commission. It is a fantastic, clean, crystalline and extended amplifier from the midbass on up. What it lacks is that meat on the bones from the midbass and lower frequencies. My modded JC1 Parasound monoblocks and Pass Labs X250.5 amps by comparison have a bit more meat on the bones to my ears.

Since we have some tech heavies in the thread, I am hoping someone can explain the mechanism by which a ‘break-in’ period can change the sound of a class D amp? The caps? The FET?

@koh_i_noor We believe its the filter caps in the power supply forming up to their operating voltage. We thought that since our amp runs a lot of feedback and is thus able to reject a lot of power supply issues that break-in would not happen. But very consistent customer reports indicate otherwise.

Mytek Audio of New York has been working on our own version of the GanFET amps and we just began shipping the Empire Stereo Monoblocks which are exceptional. Tube like top and midrange, non fatiguing for hours of listening, detail and resolution throughout the whole spectrum, transistor tight controlled bass, the best of both worlds (tubes or transistors). Minimal feedback, behavior reminiscent of Class A, they work well without feedback too. IMO this technology is so good it will be a dominant amplifier technology in 10 years. There is a magic to the smooth velvety tube like top the no class AB amp can do due to absolutely linear transfer function of the amp that does not need feedback to correct the AD transistor curve. We just showed The Empire Stereo  Monoblocks at Munich High End 2024 and had repeated visitors returning to the room again and again because of this. 

Michal at Mytek, Chief Designer

Mytek Audio features Empire Stereo Monoblocks GanFET Amplifiers at the Munich High End Show.

Munich,  High End Show, May 7, 2024, For immediate release

Mytek Audio will feature the the new Empire Stereo Monoblock GanFET Amplifiers. Designed to complement the flagship Empire Streamer DAC the Monoblocks are housed in beautifully sculpted half rack wide, 2U tall chassis milled from single block of aluminum and can be setup as a stereo single amp or dual mono blocks.

 

The cutting edge Class D GanFET technology uses Gallium Nitrade transistors that are up to 30 times fast than silicon MosFETs traditionally used in current Class D designs where their slow speed is the main factor limiting the low resolution detail. GanFET transistors bring this detail back out resulting in a substantially larger soundstage, and warm, tube like velvety top and midrange, while also providing tight grip of the bass response and transients. “Mytek Tube” is used as a visual effect to reflect the amp sonic qualities and has no electronic function. Each amp is shipped with additional aluminum cover without the tube for the customers preferring a more minimal design.

 

The Stereo Monoblocks can operate as stereo 2x400W/4Ω or 2x200W/8Ω, or in mono biamp mode, and in mono bridge mode at 800W/4Ω or 400W/8Ω.

The amplifiers use a large 800W toroidal power supply with automatic power line voltage detection circuit and robust protection circuitry with firmware upgrades possible via USB.

PRICES AND AVAILABILITY:

Each Stereo Monoblock is priced at $9995 or 9995€ (VAT Incl). Limited stock is available for worldwide shipments starting  May 15th, 2024 as the production continues to ramp up.

 

SPECIFICATIONS:

 

OUTPUT STAGE: GANFET TRANSISTORS CLASS D AT 768kHz

POWER: Stereo Mode: 2x400W/4Ω or 2x200W/8Ω

POWER: Biamp Mode: 2x400W/4Ω or 2x200W/8Ω

POWER: Bridge Mode: 800W/4Ω or 400W/8Ω

THD: 0.005% (average level)

GAIN: 23 or 29 dB

INPUT: RCA or XLR.

INPUT IMPEDANCE: 10kOhm

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE: <20mΩ

Bandwidth: 2Hz-70kHz

MAX CURRENT OUTPUT: 100 Amps

POWER SUPPLY: Linear Toroid 800W, regulated for input stage

LINE POWER: 100-240VAC Auto

DIMENSIONS: WxDxH=8.5x14x3.5 inch =216x355x89mm

WEIGHT: 30lbs, 14kg

 

 

And so the parade starts....

I have huge respect for Ralph, Michal and Leo...but as well the positive aspects of careful modifications.

After living with the Orchard Audio ULTRA amps for a couple of years (they quickly supplanted my Pass Labs Monos) I decided to build a pair up from their modules with my own ArgentPur solid silver cabling wherever possible, inc all ps, input and output leads. We quickly acknowledged a similar improvement in top octave detail and soundstage dimension and "realness" (without brightness) that I and others were used to enjoying with my AgPur speaker and interconnecting cables. 

I teamed up with Orchard's previous assembler, chased a nice solid alum chassis, a more efficient SMPS, added a couple of tweaks (Mundorfs et al), and am now offering ArgentPur Monoblocs to the market.  

We're shunning front end voicing, aiming for that "straight wire with gain"; you get the great cake and frost it yourselves with a fine pre and/or exceptional DAC. Both RCA or XLR inputs; small form factor for placement flexibility. 

Power and noise specs are identical to Orchard's ULTRA (500w 4ohms, 120dB), and can be seen on the ArgentPur.audio website. Initial early adopter pricing is only $2950 ($5900/pr). We have a few pairs performing demos and out for review, hoping to start mass production this summer.

The aim of this tiny startup is to compete in the $10-20k/pr arena with very fine performance at considerable savings. There will probably be deep discounts for AgPur cables when bundled, as well, as the advantages of solid pure silver are indeed additive. Feel free to call to discuss your needs.

As so eloquently described by Michal above, the combination of exquisite Class A mids and top octaves and rock-solid bass in a cool-running format is now at hand.

I'm grateful to Leo for his phenomenal GAN-FET design, and wish Ralph and Michal great success with their iterations. Hope I can have just a tiny slice of the pie. ErnieM

 

 

@subaruguru your website doesn't work

Really? Did you try ArgentPur.audio

RSVP. Thanks. ErnieM

Yes, it doesn't work

 

Thanks. Just confirmed a Dutch hacker messed up my website buddy's sites. Should be fixed by Friday latest. Sigh. Feel free to reach out at ernest_meunier@msn.com in the meantime, or call me at 781 526 3860 anytime.

ErnieM

If you're patient you can pick up a LSA Voyager GaN 350 (dual mono in single chassis) and send it to Tweak Audio for mods, which would be serious bang for < $3000

Anyone have experience with the latest ClassD Audio GaN 6. It may be below everyone’s pay grade.

Not ClassD bust I do have GaN amplifiers from AGD and Gold Note. Have also had the pleasure of listening to the GaN amps built by Ralph at Atma-Sphere. 

So far I am satisfied with Class D Audio’s mono blocks. Gonna say it takes around fifty hours for them to start settling in. That is all the older they are. 

Anyone hear LAIV’s offering yet?

@f1a I own the LAIV Harmony GaNM monoblocks. They sound very good. I suggest you watch the Youtube video that Steve Huff did regarding the monoblocks, I agree with his review. Other reviewers also have reviews out on Youtube, so far all is very good.

I take Steve Huff's reviews as seriously as I take any review on YT. 

 

S.H. 🤭

@lak ,

What was your previous amplifier? Can you please describe the changes that the LAIV brought to your system - pros and cons - if you don't mind?

@milpai I'm not ignoring your question, I presently don't have the time to correctly answer. If this helps, I currently own and use the following amps and integrated amps;

Allnic T-1500 300B, Luxman 590 AX II, Plinius SA Reference, Coincident Frankenstien MK IV monoblocks, Coincident Frankenstien 300B Stereo, CJ Classic 60, Red Dragon 500 monoblocks.

Thus far I have not found any cons for the LAIV GaNM. What I do like about the LAIV GaNM is the music sounds more realistic with micro details being more pronounced.

 

@lak 

No issues at all. Being on this site for about 20 years now - I very well know the "regulars" and you are one of them!

Good to know that the LAIV have provided you with a realistic sound - especially when you have experienced all the very nice amps. Something to consider in the future, if I have to change my amplifier. Any other Class D topology that you have experinced Vs GaN amps? I am intrigued by the NAD M23 V2 or AGD. But then again I read a thread where a Coda S5.5 (Class A 50Watts) sounded much more powerful than a Pass 250.8 (250Watts). Confusing to make a decision without hearing one. Thanks for the feedback about the LAIV.

 

@milpai

I have not heard any other GaN amps but after reading several reviews and watching some reviews on YouTube I felt comfortable with my purchase and if I did not care for the LAIV GaNM I could have returned it, but I'm very happy with my purchase. I do own the class D Red Dragon monoblocks and the Class D Audio Stereo amp.

I was considering the Orchard STARKRIMSON MONO ULTRA PREMIUM, the Atma-Sphere Class D, the AGD The Audion MKIII, and the Premium GaN Mono-Block amplifiers from Class D Audio.

Since I own the LAIV DAC and their UDDC I thought I'd stay with the synergy they will create. 

All the amps you mentioned above are good solid choices and you can't go wrong.

Quite the endorsement Lak given your equipment thank you!

@milpai 
I do own the class D Red Dragon monoblocks
 

Do you own his newer stuff or the units he released about 15 years ago. The originals. 

@response34 

I never said I owned the class D Red Dragon amplifiers.

@milpai 

i apologize. I obviously have the wrong name. 

Do we have to spend thousands of  $$$$$$ to enjoy listening music ? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI0PeIfivCo&t=93s&pp=ygUcaHR0cHM6Ly95b3V0dS5iZS9iaTBwZWlmaXZjbw%3D%3D

Interesting  No Questions yet !

so allow me to ask you ,,,,

is it mighty GM 70 Amps ?

is it Tektron 2a3/50M Amps (it can take 45,2a3,300B,VT 52,Sophia 206, 6b4g, 46 tubes)

I am breaking in a pair of Laiv Ganm and they are pretty awesome

@benzman 

Based on your comments, I think these are much better than the Class AB amplifiers you have owned? When the break-in is complete, please provide some details on how the Liav amplifiers upped the game and improved your listening experience.

It’s kinda tough to compare as I am running the Laiv Ganm directly from my T&A Dac 200, where my Coda CSiB is naturally an integrated. 
The Ganm’s are extremely fast with great tone and are extremely transparent . Not as beefy as the Coda but much more micro detail. I think for me the Laiv are a great match for my speakers. (Borresen X3) 

I dropped the Laiv over to my buddy to try on his Revel Salon’s. Tough speaker to drive. He has older but modified and upgraded Roland 2 piece mono blocks with seperate power supplies. I think he likes the Ganm better. 
 

Everything is synergy in putting our systems together. Don’t know till you try. The Ganm are returnable within 30 days but there is a 250 restock fee. ( Free shipping though) 

Thank You for sharing your experience with the Liav amplifiers. Your experience with the T+A DAC 200 had helped me. So will look forward to hearing back after your trial period and what you decided.

I’d love for someone to bring their amplifier over and do a comparison in my system. 
I have fully broke in mono amps from Class D Amplifiers. 
For sure they are not perfect. But also not exorbitantly priced products. 

I own the LAIV Harmony GaNM but I have heard the new Class D GaNM are very good. I’d like to hear them since I almost purchased a pair.

@hbarrel where abouts are you located?

Looks like you are somewhat close. I could bring a pair over and be there in a couple of hours or so.

@lak 44260 the land of the Mogs.

I've heard Atmasphere and AGD and own the latest Class D Audio Gan model.

They are all very good at very different price points.  

The Class D audio is the least expensive by far.  Frankly I don't know what more one could ask for in an amp.  More bling perhaps?   It excels in every way sound-wise, is most compact, and very nice looking in its own unique pseudo-industrial way.   Very good build quality and made in the USA as well.  Direct sale with no dealers involved helps keep the cost down.   Highly recommended!

@mapman mine is also the latest generation. 
@lak live in Indiana? And have a proclivity for fast motorcycles? 

@hbarrel Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.

Argent Pur have entered the market using an Orchard board but everything else supplied or modified by them, using, naturally, a lot of silver.  Initial reports are promising.

@lak my house to Bass Pro is 2 hrs 15 minutes.

I will be gone the end of the month and most Saturday’s are taken up until the leaves fall. 

I am in Metro Detroit if anybody would like to come buy and listen to the Laiv Ganm. 
Hard to come by an audition with no US dealers and no free trial. 

Hi @lak , do you know someone with the class d audio GaN amps that has shared their impressions? I’m interested to know if they’re good at soundstage depth and layering. I recently got an SMSL pa-x GaN amp and while it’s great at detail retrieval it’s not the greatest at depth beyond the speakers. 
 

How is the depth on your Laiv amps?

@t_ramey, contact mapman on Audiogon.

Laiv GaNM, in my system has good soundstage depth and layering unfortunately I have not heard any other Gan amps for a comparison.

Thanks lak, somehow I missed that mapman owns the class d audio amps.

 

Hi @mapman, do you own the stereo or monoblock amps from class d audio? How do you describe the soundstage? Thanks for any feedback.

@t_ramey I have the mono blocks. I think they have a nice sound stage. 
Class D does offer a try it trial period. Which essentially means the consumer has nothing to lose other than return shipping costs. 
I found the break-in time to be not short. I’m guessing 50 hours. Or more. 

@hbarrel  Thanks for the response and that’s good to know they don’t take long to settle in. I got sucked in to the soundstage depth from the little Douk A5 amp with sparkos opamps and when I tried the SMSL GaN amp the detail and focus was much improved but the soundstage is more forward. Would love to combine both the detail and focus with depth and layering, without an arm and a leg to cost me.

@t_ramey this one (stereo).  https://classdaudio.com/product/premium-gan-6-5-400w-2-channel-audio-power-amplifier-silver/

Soundstage is top notch.   Listening to it now driving my big Ohm F5s.  Also use it to drive a KEF ls50 meta + powered sub combo.  I’d have to say the advertised claims are quite legitimate.  Probably the best amp I have used. 
 

 

Thanks @mapman for the reply. Just placed an order to try the stereo version you linked. The fact you’ve heard AGD and others gives a good vote of confidence for the class d audio amps.