Who tried Class D only to return to S/S or Tube

I have 2 Class D setups currently.

My main system with Bel Canto ref1000m amps and ARC sp16 tube pre-amp that run a variety of speakers and my second family room system built around a Bel Canto C5i integrated.

I added the C5i recently to test the waters of a digital /Class D amp versus the tube/Class D hybrid approach.

My take is on Class D is that the technology delivers again perhaps the most neutral, dimensional and seemingly "perfect" sound.

Will that alone float everyone's boat?

Not likely. I suspect no one particular sound will.

But I will say I think building around a Class D amp to tailor the sound to what one will like is perhaps the most versatile and prudent approach out there today.

Reason is Class D is so clean neutral and dimensional. It's the best place to start, kind of like starting with vanilla ice cream. From there, no way to know what "flavor" will be preferred.

My two Class D setups sound nothing alike, even when using the same speakers essentially with both. But each is musical and enticing in its own unique way. If I had to choose just one, it would a very tough choice.

I have auditioned many tube amps in teh process but have never owned one. The Ci did replace Tube Audio Design Hibachi monoblocks which were SS amps designed by a tube guy as a reasonable alternative and those very quite nice in their own way as well.

Well the dozen or so posters so far at least it would seem. 🤔

I am interested to see/hear how much better the technology might sound in a few years.  It already competes with the best in some opinions, including my own, to the extent that I think I will only know it can be a lot better when I hear it. 

My assessment is the technology continues to improve in regards to power supply and switching frequency so even better sound is possible but when done right it already is hard to fault so how much it will matter practically remains to be seen.   I will keep mine for a long time I think and when time to replace technology will only be even better. Much like computers and other forms of digital technology. 

I have Dynaudio 1.3mkii monitors I've used with my main arc sp16 tube preamp and BelCanto ref1000m amps and also with Newer Bel Canto c5i integrated.     

With the arc/bc combo the Dynaudios have a bit of bite in the top end and excellent Dynamics at modest to higher volumes.  This is in a smaller 12x12 room.  

At comparable volume with c5i in second system in large family room kitchen area  the Dynaudios are smooth as silk.