Class D is just Dandy!

@erik_squires Great thread, a godsend because I am in the market for another amp. This thread has given me a list of brands to consider.

@kdude66 Good to hear your comments. I have a J2 and was considering an XA-30.8. So as you can see, your thoughts on your move  to Class D was most helpful. If I take the plunge, I'll chime in with what I bought and my thoughts. Questions for me re my set-up, let me know. 

Anyone have experience or an opinion on CIAudio, aka Channel Island Audio, class D amps? 

@sfseay -- did your Auralic Meraks come with power cables? If so, are  you using them or do you find they sound better with something else?

Has anyone heard Analog Research Technologies' class D amps?

Anyone running the PS Audio DirectStream DAC directly into their Class D amp? If so, are you using the filter on the DAC? Any idle noise when the display is lit on the DAC?

I experimented with two Class D amps in my system; Merrill Audio's Taranis and Digital Amplifier Company's Maraschino Monoblocks. My system consists of an Esoteric X-03 SE CD/SACD player -> PS Audio DirectStream DAC -> amp -> Reference 3A DeCapo BE. 

I chose Tommy O'Brien's Cherry Amp Maraschino monoblocks over the Merrill Audio Taranis. Nevertheless I found both amps to be detailed, powerful, and musical...albeit the Taranis more powerful at 400WPC. The Cherrys are small, efficient, and at 6"x6"x8" easy to move around; the Taranis is a single-chassis configuration. However the Taranis' single-chassis configuration did not figure into my decision-making.

Tommy encapsulates his Maraschino models in their own shielded enclosure, mounted atop a marble block for stability, and separate from their outboard power supply. I like that the amp is contained in its own housing. IMO it minimizes interference between the amp and power supply. Taranis probably does as well but w/ the Cherries, I can verify the separation.

Each Cherry amp was meticulously packed, w/ its accompanying ps, in separate boxes. DC cables (ps to amp) are included, as is a pair of RCA to Balanced adaptors...how thoughtful is that?

Neither the Taranis or the Cherry amps sounded their best out-of-the-box. However after 48hrs of continuous power with about 10hrs play-time in between, the rough-edges were gone. That's when I realized Class D was worthy of my serious consideration...ymmv.

Will these be the last amps I ever own? I don't know. I'm the unsettled-type who likes buying new gear periodically. For now, I'm happy with my purchase. If I could want for anything, it would be an increase in gain from 22db to at least 26. But I trust Tommy knows best. After all, he's likely forgotten more about amplifier design than I will ever know.

In closing, if you're considering evaluating a Class D amp, I think you'll be surprised. It ain't the undeveloped technology it may have once been. Pick one of the brands bandied about here, give 'em time to break-in and make up your own mind. PM me if you want to hear more about the Taranis.

@jdavis37 Not all Class D manufacturers use third-party amplifier modules. Check of Digital Amplifier Company. He designs his own Class D amps, or at least that's what he says (see website.) I own a pair on his Maraschinos and I love 'em. I also have some experience with other brands you mentioned. But I'd rather not speak of that here. PM me if you want more information. And I am not affiliated with, nor compensated by, Digital Amplifier Company...just wanted to get that said.

This back-n-forth between class D and class A reminds me of the raging debate in the late 70's / early 80's over V8 engines and the up-and-coming 6s and 4s. Nobody, back then, could have imagined a 6 or lowly 4 producing the horsepower and torque of today's engines. IMO today's class D amps are the 4s and 6s of the audio world. Soon, and very soon, conventional amplifiers will go the way of the 426 hemi; the 427 corba jet; and the big block Chevy. Some will hang on to their Hemi 'Cudas, Gran Torinos, and Malibu Super Sports. And some of us will park our classics and embrace the Focus RS and the like. Regardless of which camp you're in, profits and competition drives innovation. Like it, or not, class D is here to stay. And one day class D will give-way to newer-tech. Personally I'm happy to be in the cusp of changing technology. I too am hanging onto my well-regarded, class A amp...but I'v also embraced class D and am happy. That said, if class D is not your cup 'o tea then so-be-it; being happy is the objective. But for those of you who are curious, take advantage of the plentiful home-trial offers...and ask those of us who gone before you about our experiences.

@scott_w 
I have a pair of Cherry Amp 60V King Marischinos. Prior to, I auditioned Merrill Audio's Taranis; I ordered the Cherries afterwards. I was impressed with both. Both needed about 4 hrs of music before sounding good. Honestly I find all stereo gear need varying amounts of time to break-in. Which model did you get and what are your impressions?