Class D Amplification Announcement

I think high-power Class A is environmentally irresponsible. 

Well I guess you can look at that both ways, I think a case can be made that very low inefficient speakers are environmentally irresponsible. Happy imaging!😎

Mike

I have to say I love technology debates because they have been ranging forever. I  have a Technics SU-R1000 that replaced a McIntosh Integrated (MA-6300). TAS also loved this integrated, but it was Stereophile's review wherein they compared it to the Technics SU-G700 which is the lower cost version in order to discuss the differentials as well as to S-Phile's review and Artkinson's extensive testing reveal an amazing array of new technology. The LAPC and JENO circuits are real tech. I think it took a company the size of Matshusita Electric (Panasonic) to produce a $10,000 digital (not D per se) integrated that is phenomenal against most A/B comers. It also weighs 54 pounds, built with superb capacitors, unlike lighter (see Marantz, NAD, et al) Class D amps that feel lighter and tinny and ones that did not advance the new tech properly.

I am not here to advocate any singular position--but there are always revolutionary changes in HiFi that shake industry standards every generation or so. Tubes gave way to stable solid state Class A and then Class A/B amplifiers. Tubes are making a rebound as millenials and genzers flex their economic muscle in seeking retro tech like fine turntables and tube amps (I recently purchased a McIntosh MA252 hybrid and put in Golden Lion Russian tubes--sweet for a 2nd office system). Tubes are warm, but not as reliable as well-built solid state--technology moves forward regardless of nostalgia.

The reason why I think more manufacturers will be using their resources in developing Digital and even lower cost Class D amps is in part due to the energy efficiency. With traditional energy sources so expensive, a class A amp that needs 600 watts to produce a 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms is the equivalent of a 1970's gas guzzling V8. Digital amps are the rough equivalent  of a Tesla that can go 0-60 in 4 seconds with efficient battery power. Sorry gang, market forces drive changes.

Is this new Borrenson designed Digital amp the epitome' or state of the art? Well, at $30,000 + it should be. The tell-tale will be at the sub-10,000 range. Oh wait, Technics is already there.

go listen to a purify before you type

@jjss49 Really appreciate the detailed response. If I didn't know any better, I would have said "too good to be true." :) But since I'm well aware of your experience and expertise, I have to say that this is a ringing endorsement of AGD. 

A few days ago, I opened a thread about the possibility of moving from integrated to separates, but I purposely requested an all-tube solution (amp and preamp). Based on your impressions, I'm very tempted to give AGD a shot. 

I have gone back and forth between tubes and SS, and each time I come to the same conclusion that for my taste and preferences, tubes appeal to me the most and pull me in emotionally better than SS amps. If I'm forced to pick only one or two attributes of tube amplification that appeal to me the most, it has to be the holographic/3D soundstage and the lit-from-within qualities that good tube amplification does it better than SS (of course, in my opinion only). How do you think AGD compares in this aspect? Are there any shortcomings (vis-a-vis tubes) that you can think of?

Sorry, I know I'm asking you a lot of questions but I'm very intrigued now :)

Tubes are making a rebound as millenials and genzers flex their economic muscle in seeking retro tech like fine turntables and tube amps (I recently purchased a McIntosh MA252 hybrid and put in Golden Lion Russian tubes--sweet for a 2nd office system). Tubes are warm, but not as reliable as well-built solid state--technology moves forward regardless of nostalgia.

Sorry I disagree. To reduce the appeal of tube-based amplification to merely "millenial rebound and genzers flexing their muscles" is incredibly presumptuous and short-sighted. Many of us have started with SS, gone back and forth between tube and SS, and prefer tubes based on our listening preferences. It has nothing to do with making fashion statements or nostalgia.

Secondly, well-made tube amps from reputable companies are very reliable. If you choose wisely and buy from established tube vendors, most tubes are also very reliable. Of course, they have a shelf life but we all make that decision with this understanding.

And lastly, the segment for class A amps, compared to the overall audio market is minuscule and limited to a tiny subsection of enthusiasts. I seriously doubt that, given the small market share, it puts a dent in the environment. The analogy with motor vehicles is flawed and a bit exaggerated.