Class D is just Dandy!

Hi.. I have been a Class A or Class A/B amp owner my entire adult life and trying to get a firm grasp on Class D amps. I have read through several threads and like many subjects this one is similarly polarizing. I'm not biased either way. Just seeking information and if I decide to change amps, getting the sound I'll enjoy.

It seems there are about 3 major players in companies that actually manufacture the amp boards, and that most people selling Class D amps are buying the boards versus designing and building their own (probably some exceptions). If I am correct this is very unlike most Class A and A/B amp manufacturers.

While I have never truly understood the prices attached to esoteric items, I do understand basic marketing and getting for a product what the market will pay. This may or may not be attached to the cost to produce said item.

So my question is with the main boards themselves being made by a thrid party, how does one go say from a $1400 D-Sonic amp to a $5000 Bel Canto (or other similar) amp (per pair) up to a Merrill Veritas at $11K plus (pair)? I realize a nicer chassis, etc. will add cost, and same for internal wiring and external connectors but am trying to see what each make ris adding to their product to result in so many price variations when the main "guts" are so similar. Thx

Thx George.My only experiences are with Class A/B mostly and some Class A. I have heard tube amps but never owned one, and in past thought of Class D as mostly sub type amps (my ignorance). I started reading about the newer Class D amps and the price range is fairly broad. I also recognize pricing is not always linear with cost (whatever market will bring). But it is hard to see how 2 amps using the same identical amp board can vary in price so much which of course begs my question of why.

If the cost of the parts, including cases, connections, etc. as well as the actual amplifier modules is a lot cheaper than their Class A/B counterparts, and their sound quality is close but it results in an overall cost reduction for the buyer than I would be more encouraged. It is difficult for me to hear much of this stuff without buying it. Not many nearby sellers.

But I am probably missing something along the way. If the more expensive units are adding proprietary mods that would be one thing. Otherwise it starts sounding like a prettier case, etc. is adding a lot of cost!

I do though see some advantages regarding heat generated (if that is a concern.. for me it isn't) and size/weight. They offer a ton of power in a small mass versus trying to heft around a 90 pound Class A/B amp or an even heavier (with less power) tube amp.

Heat and weight are not a concern for me, either. But I can see where those 2 things might be appealing for some. I won't lie in that I am struggling some to be really attracted to Class D for now. The technology seems to be changing rapidly whereas Class A/B at the least is mature. Same reason why in general I do not prefer paying for a DAC built in to the preamp unless the maker has a way for future upgrades. Dropping $5K or $11K for a pair of monoblock Class D amps only to see a much improved amp board emerge in 2 years would hurt my financial feelings. My spousal unit is very good with accepting my expensive hobbies to  a point. Course if that $5K Class D amp already produces sound quality I find superior to every Class A/B amp I can find in the same price category then it may well work. But am giving consideration to some SST equipment (Son of Ampzilla 2 and Theobe II) as well which will not cost as much as some of the Class D options I am looking into! Course maybe I should just stay with my current setup... it is good and is now free :)

Thanks MDE.. gives me something else to read about. His approach seems a little different and his units carry a bit of weight to them (Makes class A/B people like me feel more comfortable!). I'll PM you fo rthe other info!

MDE.. I'm not an audiogon regular so PMng seems to be escaping my abilities! Feel free to send from your end :)