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 islandmandan

I don't think you have found the right match-up yet. I made the change from Dynaudio to Tannoy some years back, and so far, the best amp combination is an SET 300B, and a kit-built 500 Wpc Class D Audio. There are two CDA 254 modules that are bridged to mono, and they share the chassis and power supply. This combination really works for me.

Although there is a great disparity in these two types of amps, I get great enjoyment, with no listener fatigue with either amp, driving my Tannoys (vintage 12" HPD, ca 1975, that have been thoroughly updated).

Class D Audio sells assembled amps, or will assemble your choice of amps for a nominal fee. It's a very low-cost option to try to find a suitable match for your system.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

Dan