2. amps-preamps
  3. 129071-76532

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 6 responses by kdude66

kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Hello all,

I only time I can recall listening to "Unharmonic distortions" is when our granddaughter is over and wants to play some of her music,she's 12.

Kenny.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
geoffkait,

I kind of doubt anyone can actually track the sound of something breaking in, even though break in is probably real, since there are too many variables, e.g., weather, time of day, day of week, many others. In addition, any audiophile who’s going to keep track of the sound and determine when exactly a given component or cable or speaker has completely broken in will most likely be breaking in more than one thing at a time and will be adding tweaks all the while.

In addition, if I can be so bold, unless a purpose built break-in device is employed the chances are slim to zero that the component is question EVER breaks in completely. The music signal doesn’t cut it. There’s just not enough time to do everything that should be done without being slowed down to a snail’s pace by having to sit on one’s thumbs for 200 hours or 600 hours or whatever while something breaks in. Give me a break!

Well spoken and so totally true.

Kenny.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
If classD=trash, than Audiogon should have curb alert section.

That's Funny,I don't care who you are.

Kenny.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
Hello all,

I have over 500 hrs on my S-500 and thought I might comment a little about it.I think it's a step up in Sound vs nc400 and ref600m,these are the 3 class d amps that I own and I have access to more through a local audio club where we lend and or borrow equipment or occasionally listen to each other's systems.

I have been using a bel canto pre3 with all the diff. amps just to make a even playing field,the pre 3 is a pure water no coloration preamp.

The S-500 is the best class d amp I have had in my system and it has the warmest most engaging midrange with very sweet nicely extended top end that has more air and separation with the individual instruments making the entire frequency range very coherent.The bass is equally as good maybe better than my other class d amps listed.

I borrowed a Nuprime st10 to try out and found it too be a very close match to the S-500,with the nod to the S-500 for the best overall sound especially the midrange.

Offcourse this is in my system with my ears and judging the musical presentation that I prefer.

The next test will be comparison with a modwright kwa100se that I have owned for a few years but I haven't used it in about 3 years,I have loaned it out to club members though.I know it's a very good amp but can it equal or beat the S-500,only time will tell.

So many very good choices out there nowadays,


Kenny.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
George,

That is the one.

You probably would need 2 of them to pwr your big panels.


Best regards,

Kenny.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
George,

I haven't found the price but they do look the same as the pascal x pro2.Built in universal switching pwr supply with 2 channels,500 into 4ohm.

I would like to see one and compare bit by bit to verify that they are the same,I really don't know much about them.

I will be getting a push pull class a Amp that uses NOS Sony Vfet's built similar to nelson's Sit 2 but has twice the pwr.I have owned or heard the majority of the first watt amps with the exception of both sit's and the F7 the newest one.Should be a very interesting comparison for me.
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