Should I steer clear of class D amps


I’m finally upgrading my amp. I currently have an Onkyo TXNR 636 which has served very well but it’s now the weakest component in my system.

I’ve a budget of up to £1200-£1300 and been looking at the NAD C3050.

I was initially drawn to the NAD C3050 when I saw the VU meters but these are not deal breakers if I can get a much better amp without them, but I really do like them. I spoke with a dealer and he mentioned all NAD amplifiers are now class D and that’s now where I’m stuck procrastinating my purchase. My understanding was class D never really took off, despite the power efficiency due to the HF noise caused by the PWM. Times change things improve but I can’t find much about how they have mitigated this, in fact an article in EETimes refers to how the tests performed for THD etc are quite irrelevant in a digital amp and quoted figures may be very different in real life. In essence, the way of testing makes them look better than they are. This may be true but do they sound good? We all know vinyl is technically an inferior medium but I certainly prefer it’s sound.

I am listening to classic/ heavy rock and a mixture of lossless streaming from a NAS into a Cambridge Audio CNX V2 and vinyl off a Technics 1500C with a Pro-Ject DS phono stage all into monitor audio bronze 5s. 
 

I need a new amp. I need slapping out of my indecision but it’s not an insignificant amount of £££ and I want to get it right. Should I stick with AB ? My electric bill can’t withstand class A or valve regardless of sound quality. 

Also what’s the thoughts on NAD in general, I’m my youth they were good amps, but then so were Pioneer. 
 

nosleeptilldownload

@jeffseight 

 

What is your room number and time of demonstarion during Saturday?

 

I could be there.

 

Thomas

Class D with a good power supply can sound wonderful. Try to listen to as many in your price range as you can and let your ears decide.

All the best.

I am currently using a Peachtree Gan400 paired with a Schitt Freya + and I am driving a pair of Magnepan LRS+ . I have found the system to be very musical and accurate.

Crown xti.anthem m1 marantz.d sonic.rotel1092.ps audio 1200.all class d.ice from parts express build your own.teac and more have class d.they are getting better since they first started .there are many models of cars find the one you like.for me it's corvette best bang for the buck.

My 2 cents for what it’s worth....I sold a Bryston 14B SST and bought an Axiom Audio ADA 1500 in a 4 ch version for tri-amping my speakers. It’s class D with a massive toroidal transformer and huge filter caps and it sounds much better than the Bryston or any other A/B amp I have heard. An amazingly transparent, detailed and neutral sounding amp. IMO. I wouldn’t hesitate to try the NAD.