Class D amplifiers. What's the future look like?


I have a number of amplifiers: Luxman C900U, Bryston 4BSST2, Audio Research VSI 60 Integrated, NAD C298 and some other less noteworthy units. As I swap them in and out of my main system, I've come to the conclusion my very modest NAD C298 is about all I really need. Granted if I had extremely hard to drive speakers, I might be better with the Bryston or Luxman, but driving my Harbeth 40.2 speakers, the NAD is just fine. 

I thought a while ago that class D would quickly overtake amplifier design type mainly due to profit margin which I think would be much greater than A/B and tube. I'm not saying the other design styles would go away, just that D would be the most common style. 

Clearly my prediction is not panning out, at least in the mid and high-end audio world and I'm wondering why? It seems companies such as Bryston, Luxman, McIntosh, Hegel and so many others are sticking by A/B. I'm no "golden ears" guy, but is the perceived sound issue(weather real or imaginary) still holding D back? Maybe my assumption of profit margin is not correct? Maybe the amplifier manufacturers are experimenting with D, but keeping tight lipped until release? Perhaps brand loyalists don't want change similar to what happened with "new coke". What else am I missing?

 

128x12861falcon

@grannyring I'm wondering if you can please extoll the virtues of Lyngdorf's approach to Class D, as it relates to this thread?

And, hey! by the way ... tysm for the slick custom mods on my 2170!

I’ve seen that list of quotes before. They got debunked due to their age. A lot of those quotes you listed are from nearly 20 years ago.

Steeeerike one!

Your comment about GaNFETs seems a bit uninformed to me.

Steeeerike two!


As a result I’m of the opinion that class D is something to be reckoned with and isn’t at all as you described

Steeeerike three! Yerrrr OUT!!!

 

 

Great post from atmasphere answering the Quotes from decade ago...

it seems that class D and related design initiated a revolution , it is not an upgrade among other upgrade choices but another audio level not only for high end designer as him but for consumers  ...

😊