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Class D = Trash?

So, I'm on my second class D amp. The first one, a Teac AI-301DA which claimed to use an ICE module, was unlistenable trash. I burned it in for a few weeks, it just couldn't perform, so I sent it back. Following that, I tried the new Emotiva A-300 (class A/B). It was significantly better, but lacking in too many ways for my tastes. So I changed gears, got an 845 SET from China -- and it was an immediate and massive improvement.

So, before I went further down the SET road, I wanted to try a better class D product using a modern class D module. I settled on the D-Sonic M3-800S with the Pascal module and custom input stage. I read from reviews that these things like to have big cables, so I picked up an eBay 8 gauge power cable (Maze Audio, el-cheapo Oyaide copy plugs, braided 4-wire cable) to go along with it.

Mid-range GONE.
Soundstage depth CRUSHED.
Euphonics DISAPPEARED.

Yes, resolution went up. Driver control went up, allowing me to play compressed rock/pop and orchestra with the speakers being able to render it all. But enjoyment in the sound is basically gone. Using my best power cable (LessLoss Original) improved performance, but didn't fundamentally change the amp's nature. I ran back to my headphones (Focal Utopias) to detox my ear canals.

So, how long does a class D need to burn-in? I want to give it a fair shake before writing the technology off forever. 
madavid0

Showing 2 responses by bassdude

bassdude
455 posts
 
"islandmandan" - yes... the "Class D Audio" brand of class D amps are great amps at a great price.  As I understand it... they use a linear power supply, rather than a switching power supply, which makes a difference.  I have the SDS 470C, which seems to sound as good as most of my other class A and Class A/B tube and SS amps.  And... of course... it's much smaller and lighter, and easy to move... and... doesn't heat up the room.

I took a chance on it, because the reviews were so good, and it cost so little ($700)... and... it was a good bet.  For that price - everyone should try one - almost nothing to lose!  I'd bet, they would all be surprised... and... pleased.

In case you want to try one:  http://www.classdaudio.com/sds-series-amplifiers/
bassdude
455 posts
 
Well... a lot of techy discussion here... and... I don't really know why my "Class D Audio" SDS-470C sounds so incredible (e.g. Ice vs Hypex vs something else or switching vs linear, etc.) - I just know it does.  

And... it seems to sound as good or better than my other amps, which are very good.  

And... I've not tried any other class d amps... so... I have no basis for comparison - I'm not really sure I need any - it sounds so grand!    
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