Gallium Nitride GaN Class D Amplifiers


In my recent research for a possible upgrade to my current amp (Benchmark (AHB2) I was reading about the new higher end design for Class D. I'm very interested in learning more about these new GaN(Gallium Nitride) designs. Three companies are offering some very well reviewed products and they are not going crazy with Watts per channel:

Orchard Audio offers a 250 watt Amp

AGD a 100 watt

Atmos-Phere also a 100 watt

What's interesting  is while Orchard is a new company AGD and Atmos-Phere have been around a while producing high end Tube amps. In almost every review it is noted how these newer designs sound like Class A or Tubes with all the benefits of Solid State. One reviewer couldn't go back to his tube amps after extended listening to the Orchard. No wonder AGD and Atmos-Phere are getting into this technology. It's very exciting as these amps are highly efficient turning over 90% of the power they draw into sound compared to about 78% with A/B designs and I believe even significantly lower for Class A. They run cool and usually weigh between 10-28lbs. I plan to do more investigation. Small size and light weight with decent power is very attractive. There are also mono block offerings for more power if needed. These are not cheap Class D products. They are well designed and constructed.

Orchard Audio's base model is around $2700and their Dual mono version with larger power supplies is $5500.

Both AGD and Atoms-Phere are $5000

Mono blocks for each are about twice the cost.

Has anyone had any experience, demos, etc ., with these types of GaN Class D amps?

 

jfrmusic

@aball

After reading your last message, I am even more puzzled.

Who is he using GaN in linear mode???

Honestly, it makes no sense.

Also, instead of continuing this conversation via potentially misread posts, please give me a call anytime and I will be more than glad to see where this disconnection between whatever written and whatever implied, is.

Fronting the Audions with a Primaluna EVO 400 pre-amp is the best of both worlds. .

I've had the Orchard in my system twice..for a week each and it is a great sounding amp...but as we all know, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Fortunately, the amp is on tour and if you join the tour, you can try the amp for a week for just the cost of shipping to the next person.

Go to Steve Hoffman Forums and search the following thread:

Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra Amp Tour