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 1 response by bbarlow690

In my quest for continuing minimalism, I bought a PS Audio Sprout.  I love it.  It drives my Spatial Audio M1 Turbos effortlessly, with plenty of good noise in a large room.  The inboard DAC is way good enough for my Theta Pearl, I stream Bluetooth from my computer, and hooked up an MP3 player for background music and NPR.  All is well.

My 20-year-old Krell KAV-250 integrated sits unused.  Head to head, l'il Sproutie just sounded more...fun!

It's all that this old fart requires for enjoyment.

Now, maybe, an upgrade to M4 Turbos.  I like the white.