I’m currently running an Aavik U-380 integrated. It replaced a great set of A/B mono blocks because it has all the warmth of the A/Bs coupled with all of the previously mentioned Class D benefits too. Class D has clearly turned the corner in my opinion.
High end Class D amps?
Just an observation and a question. Are there 'high end' Class D amps out there that are just as good as Class A, A/B amps? I realize that's a sensitive question to some and I mean no disrespect---but whenever I see others' hifi systems on social media, all of the amps are A or A/B. There's always Pass, McIntosh, Moon, Luxman, Accuphase, etc. Where are the Class Ds? For folks out there that want more power for less efficient speakers and can't afford the uber expensive Class As, A/Bs, what is there to choose from that's close to those brands? Thanks
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I’m in the amps sound similar camp, especially after doing my own blind testing (which was a revelation). I think the Ncores and Purifis have essentially solved any deficiencies. But one thing I will certainly concede: an underpowered class D amp is a horror show, and you probably need more rated power (since the D amps are not rated on continuous power like AB). But these more recent modules have plenty. I use an NCore module design with my Harbeths and it works beautifully. One thing I find reprehensible is the way the big names have added all kinds of tweaks to Putzeys’ design (op-amps, power supplies) that are completely unnecessary, or even cause spec deterioration, so they can charge more. Even his own Mola Mola seems gratuitous. A clean custom-build, like March Audio, is much cheaper and arguably better-performing than the more expensive name brand versions. Of course you give up the credit behind the warranty (Alan March is a one-man band), but you could get twice as much amp for the money, and Alan’s been around a while. |
bluorion:"
@noble100 Thanks for the suggestions----I've heard good things about D-Sonic. What preamp(s) have you used with the D-Sonics? I'm not really a tube person--I prefer SS. I've never had mono blocks so that's something I need to check out too.
Hello bluorion, I've used 3 very different preamp solutions thus far in my combo 2-ch music and HT 5.1 surround sound system. They're listed 1-3, with 1 being my 1st preamp solution and 3 being my current preamp: 1. A VTL 2.5TL tube preamp, with a set of 4 NOS (new old stock) Mullard tubes replacing the stock Russian tubes, which had a HT/Pass Thru switch. This was my initial preamp solution 2. An Oppo 205 universal disc player that I incorporated into my system with the main purpose being to streamline my system by reducing the number of components and interconnects. 3. A Mark Levinson 326S ss preamp, which has a devoted input for HT that serves as a HT/Pass Thru switch. The tubed VTL definitely added more dimensionality to the stereo sound stage image illusion and sweetness, warmth and euphonic qualities to the tones, as I was intending and hoping. But I also believe these benefits came at the expense of perceived articulation and a detailed presentation due to a decrease in neutrality and increase in distortion and background noise levels. The very accurate, low noise, low distortion and very neutral qualities of the Oppo 205 definitely added very little, if anything, to the left and right channel signals. Unexpectedly however, the sweetness, warmth and euphonic qualities to the tones were still present but seemed to be more naturally produced by the music rather than any tube-like additions, especially on good recordings. But I noticed the increased neutrality and detailed articulation, along with the decreased distortion and background noise levels, didn't enhance my perception of the stereo sound stage illusions being more real and dimensional as the additive qualities of the tubes were able to create. The very accurate, low noise, low distortion and very neutral qualities of my current Levinson 326S preamp, combined with its very tube-like ability to enhance my perception of the stereo sound stage illusions as being more real and dimensional, has caused me to fall in love with this preamp. No matter which preamp you wind up preferring, however, I'd suggest not trying to overthink the system changes involved with utilizing monoblock amps rather than a single stereo amp. Monoblocks just further the concept and benefits of using separate components in the first place. Isolation is improved and cross-talk is reduced, by placing the left and right channel amplification circuitry in their own isolated and shielded cases. For connectivity, you simply run a single unbalanced rca or balanced xlr cable from each of the preamp's left and right outputs to each monoblock's input. Simple and easy peasy. Later, Tim |
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