High end Class D amps?

@ricevs 
sent you a PM

@noble100 - I'm wondering if part of your improved satisfaction having inserted the ML preamp in the chain is a lower impedance, stronger drive capability of the preamp compared to the Oppo. 

I've found that even a very neutral preamp with a fairly high current, low impedance output stage can sound much smoother and more natural, while still sounding very detailed, than when it is out of the system. 

Probably already mentioned but how about Lyngdorf?

@jaytor @noble100

i agree that a huge benefit of an active preamp/linestage is impedance matching -- this has a real impact on the sound we hear - the impedance matching and compatibility between 2 devices in a signal chain is something that is often underappreciated, is difficult to measure and gauge without careful listening

noble, i also agree that your levinson unit is doing what it is doing all time, it doesn’t know what is passing through it... that been said, signal rise time, slew rate, power supply stiffness and speed are all attributes that affect transient response and clarity in any amplification device/buffer -- and the way a good linestage does this can be so helpful in a mild ’rounding out’ of the sound (esp. at higher volume levels) that in turn pleases our ears a great deal...

Missing from the calss D story is, of course, the linear A/B amp is what allows for such a great stereo image. Note the story stops at having purchased the preamp. I trialed a dual-mono stereo D-Sonic; didn't like it so sent it back. I recall being happy with the strong dynamics and powerful grip, but if I recall correctly they had bad imaging as with most class D I've tried and a messed up / unconvincing midrange, again as with most class D -- dry and thin. They also had a really weird unstable soundstage while they were burning in. And finally, the Achille's heel of class D, the deadly lack of musicality / engagement. 

Unlike the D-Sonics (Pascal modules I believe), the VTV Purifi I'm trialing now has mediocre dynamics -- something I'm sure would be improved with a monoblock or dual-mono system. Unlike other class Ds I've heard, the Purifi seems to have taken steps to return richness to the sound, and this is somewhat successful IMO. The midrange is unconvincing / sloppy / blurry. Imaging is...present but not wonderful. Possibly better input buffers would improve this. There is some depth and height, but width isn't that great, doesn't extend past the outside edge of the speakers. Imagine solidity is okay. I fear that the lack of musicality is still a problem; all today I didn't feel like listening, that's a bad sign. When I have sat down to listen, I don't feel like I'm being engaged / drawn in. Up until now I've been willing to overlook that for the sake of burn-in but it's getting to the point where I'll have to accept that burn-in isn't the issue.

I'm bringing in another Odyssey, this time a Kismet that's 3 years old. It's used so there shouldn't be any burn-in required. I suspect it's going to crush to VTV, but we'll see. It's coming tomorrow. I'll be sure to update everyone on my findings.