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
bluorion
Class-D wattage instead of doubling for each halving of impedance load actually gets goes backwards when they see 2ohms and worse if there is any - phase angle involved, because they can’t deliver the current like a good bi-polar linear Class-a or a/b amp can.
This statement is false. The limitation of a class D amp is similar to what is is with any amp- how big are the heatsinks, how much current can the output devices handle, and how much current is available from the power supply.


The output impedance of any modern class D amp is only a few milliohms (the Purifi module' output impedance is lower than a foot of 18ga wire). So it can double power from 1 ohm to 0.5 ohms as long as the current doesn't exceed the limits of the output section. The real issue is the filter; lowering the load impedance lowers the effective 'Q' of the filter, IOW it flattens out the filter response. So as the load impedance is reduced, the 'residual' (which is the sine wave remnant of the switching frequency) will increase in amplitude. For any speaker this isn't a problem as the residual is very small on any competent class D amp.

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. 
The reason everyone has different input circuits is because the module itself doesn't have one. Its input impedance is about 2,000 ohms- most preamps and sources would fall flat of their face driving a load like that. When you're designing a module, there is only so much gain you can get out of it, and you have to use an input circuit called a 'comparitor' which tends to have that low input impedance. So some sort of buffer is typically needed. You are correct that this can color the sound if not implemented correctly. Bruno of course has a recommended circuit, but its not cast in stone that it be used.

This statement is false. The limitation of a class D amp is similar to what is is with any amp- how big are the heatsinks, how much current can the output devices handle, and how much current is available from the power supply.

This statement is just by someone protecting their yet to be released Class-D. If you say then put big heatsinks and power supplies on it if you want them to be able to drive the many hi-end speakers with low bass impedance combined with large amounts of - phase shift. (smoke screen, using small form factor as the excuse)

Lets see if the yet to be released class-D amp can truly double from 8 to 4 to 2ohms, without understating as many now do the 8ohm to make the 4 and 2 look good, thank god for Stereophile pulling them up (but quietly) on this understating 8ohm wattage practice

Everyone knows that Class-D can’t do the wattage doubling act below 4ohms, it’s shown in every "legit independent test review", mostly by not even giving! the 2ohm figures.
And certainly not like the better complimentary bi-polar linear amps can, when driving speakers that have hard loads, like the Wilson Alexia etc.
FWIW, I've been using a "Parasound ZoneMaster 2350" class D power amp and "Parasound NewClassic 200 Pre" and have been thoroughly impressed. Matched up with Audiolab CDT600 and Polk Lis15 + Velodyne sub is giving me the best sound I've owned (or can afford right now). Maybe not quite Audiophile territory, but I'm smiling all day as I work/listen from my home office.
I have found Classe D Amps to be nice, Sigma Amp2s to be precise. I bi-amp them to my B&W 803D3s.

Richard


Hello,
Stereo Elleven sells Jeff Rowland. Very nice amps. Not sure on your budget. Someone mentioned the NAD M33. NAD under rates their power so you should be good to go. The M33 is hard to find right now. If you cannot locate one locally or if you are in the Chicago area. https://holmaudio.com/nad-electronics/