New Class D amplifiers


Hello. I'm very interested in getting your opinion on the newer Class D amplifiers.  There has been a couple of very positive reviews (by Guttenberg) of the Bel Canto C6i and NAD M23.  These, and perhaps some others are offering new technology that significantly lower the class D noise level and other drawbacks.    

I currently use a Class A amp, Pass Labs INT-25 (with Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers) which has a wonderful sound. But I am transitioning to another location, and due to using Roon primarily I find that this system stays on most of the day.  Due to heat and power usage of Class A amplifiers, I'm interested in translating to Class D if I find something comparable.

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I'm in the Hypex and Purifi camp, Bruno Putzeys is a wizard.  I have the March Audio P502 and it's been a high wattage wonder in driving my inefficient Maggies and Vandies.  Wonderful detail and clarity, and driving bass to get the toes tapping and the emotions rolling.  Dead silent, no noise whatsoever.  March has gone all Purifi, can't go wrong there, currently I would get the P422 stereo power amp.  Love the compact chassis, build quality and efficiency.  IME separates are nicer than an integrated, just got the Topping Pre90 not too long ago and that's all the pre you'll ever need, wonderful relay-based volume control, a bargain, and the drive of all balanced connections is great.  Alternatives to March are Audiophonics and VTV, who offer Hypex and Purifi based amps.

 I most recall from my brief time with them, which left me wanting more air and sparkle. But that’s my ears, my system, of course.

@wrm57, yea that is one of the differences I heard between the AtmaSphere and the XA30.8.   I found the Pass to offer a little more detail/resolution, or at least present things in a more forward way compared to the AtmaSphere.   In the high frequencies I did find my Pass offered more 'sparkle' and maybe more finesse in the small details overall.   With a handful of other amps I've compared with either a X250.8 or XA30.8 it was always the other amps offering a little more detail over the Pass, so its strange for me to hear a solid state amp that presents a more laid back presentation than the Pass.   AtmaSphere does specialize in tube amps after all :) 

I switched between both amps a few times and its not like the general details are missing, its just they are more detailed and noticeable with the Pass, where the AtmaSphere seems to paint the overall sound with a wider brush and maybe has a little more color/fullness (think meat-on-the-bones) sound.    My speakers are pretty detailed and not forgiving at all so I can live with the few rows back sound.   

I found the AtmaSphere to offer a blacker background, way better bass, and excellent imaging, along with a very similar sound signature to the Pass.

Being the Pass is now $7100 I think the AtmaSphere Monos like most good amps I've compared to the XA30.8 (some more and some less expensive) are all in the same league, its just more personal taste/system matching.   At this point to my ears at least, it is no longer the Class A design just beats the Class D design, its more of a what sound signature and attributes am I looking for...   Compared to my first Class D amp I tried back in the early 2000s, that is a big step forward as the XA30.8 is great sounding amp!

I have a Legacy Audio system. 7.4

The last component added was my Legacy Class D V:2 and V:5 Amps. Previously I had ATI Signature series 6007 Top of the line. ATI was noisy, hot and solid as a rock. These Legacys are dead quiet, cool as a cucumber and just as solid. If there is warmth difference, I can’t tell it. I love them. Best move I’ve made.

I have AGD Gran Vivace arriving tomorrow or early next week. I am super stoked because I already know they have terrific synergy with my speakers. I will reply with my early findings.

This was mentioned earlier in this thread, and in the forum, but I thought I'd post a link here, because it may be of interest in this topic. 

I have one of these being delivered today. I plan on trying it with a Bluesound Node and a pair of Ohm Walsh 1000's, which are also on order. My current system consists of McIntosh preamp, Bryston 4B3 amp, and Maggie 3.7i's, and analog & digital sources. The new stuff will be a secondary system, but it will be an interesting comparison.