2. amps-preamps
  3. 174476-18279

What Would Be the Reasoning Behind Leaving Class D Amps On?

I think my Marantz Ruby integrated sounds better if it is just permanently left on.  I'm a bit of a tubehead, but I've had 2 other Class D amps and I recall them sounding better left on. 

I've seen a handful of manufacturers that even recommend their Class D amps be left on--e.g. PS Audio, etc. 

In addition to the potential improvement in sound quality, I suppose keeping caps and things on might be easier on them too.

Do you agree?  Do you know why this may be true or at least the theory behind it?  

Thank you in advance!  I'm super curious about this stuff.

 

jbhiller

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 

@jbhiller 

I'm not sure.  I believe NAD uses nCore, and in some cases hybrid NCore / Class H designs.  My personal experience is limited to IcePower.  I can't say it is a problem which extends any further.

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 

I may need to restate my original point. While sure, I leave on my DAC, in terms of amplifiers, no solid state amp I’ve never owned takes as long to warm up as my Class D amps. It’s not even close. My A/B amps have taken no more than an hour while D takes days. You don’t even have to play music. Just leave them on.

Good thing each monoblock idles at about 5 watts!

What's funny is how some of these conversations develop on A'gon:

Poster:  I came back home and my system sounds like crap and I don't know why, help!

Me:  Are you using class D amps?

Poster:  How did you know?

 

Best,

 

Erik

erik_squires
16,644 posts
 

OP:  I've had exactly the same experience.  I have IcePower amps and they sound really scratchy for about 48 hours then just open up. I only noticed this because I went away for a week and decided to unplug the stereo.  When I came back I kept looking for an explanation and then magically the sound just really transformed on day three.  Other A'goners have had very similar experiences.  This may very well explain why some listen to Class D and decide it's not ready for prime time.

On the other hand, my Luxman 507ux is good in 5 minutes.

I have ZERO idea why. :-)

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