2. amps-preamps
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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
deep_333
886 posts
 

@deep_333 

Thanks for the pics of the Technics innards. Have you hear their newer model G700 Mk 2?

No, i have not...not interested in that one. It has great reviews though. I specifically needed the SU-R1000's 300W into 4 ohms (without space heater amps deployed) for one of my speakers.

tshark
15 posts
 

Current mfg of high end AD amps have a much higher profit margin on their AB design products, as the bulk of R&D expense has been paid for over time.

Once a product is introduced, a good mfg finds ways to lower cost over time to become a low cost - high quality producer, and then can make up for all the R&D going forward. 
 

Having said that, I’d expect many big names are spending at least a few  R&D $ on some Class D product development  

 

 

fleschler
1,923 posts
 

As well as other new applications of technology such as Westminster Labs sliding bias voltage Class A cool running higher power solid state amps?   They may well function superior to Class D amps.  

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 

As well as other new applications of technology such as Westminster Labs sliding bias voltage Class A cool running higher power solid state amps?   They may well function superior to Class D amps.  

The issue has been for the last 70 years and remains to this day Gain Bandwidth Product; if you plan to run feedback you need a lot of it. Easy to do with class D, very hard with conventional A or AB circuits.

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 

@ricevs 

To be honest, I have not put down any amplifiers.  IMO I have not heard one that floats my boat or any of the people I know.  BTW - I have not sold one piece of gear to anyone on Audiogon.  Sorry if I came across this way to you.  I only post my experiences and offer to invite anyone to came an listen to our various systems.  It is a learning experience for us always.  We enjoy meeting new people and hearing new things.  We offer our help and offer to repair and upgrade any component for people who need that type of service.  Not sure what others have "added" to this thread either.  BUT if I came across the wrong way to anyone, then I apologize for that.  That is never my intention.  OK Ric?

 

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