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Discussion of Class D Amps Application & Experiences

With all the time off that our current situation has allowed recently, I became intrigued by the idea of class D amplification. I have always been against this type of amplifier but the more I have read the more I have also learned. There are lots of threads here on this subject many of which result in arguments about which amplifier class is better. I do not want to do that here. As I consider a class D amp I need to let you know that I currently use a fairly powerful class A/B SS amp and pre-amp into an efficient pair of speakers rated at 4 ohms. My choice of equipment has always been focused on musicality over absolute detail. I want the music to sound natural and not sterile. I seem to have achieved that sound. If I switched to class D amplification that would also be my intended goal although a bit more refined detail would be fine. I have considered pairing the amp with a tube pre to help achieve my desired sound. So why would I change? My goal would be to save money over my current gear while maintaining my desired sound.

I have researched brands such as Nord, Primare, AGD & Nuprime. I have also looked at brands such as Jeff Rowland & Merrill but those are way out of my price range. My target would be $6000 - $7000 or less. I'm about performance not price. So given that background information I would like to hear from those who have made the leap, what your experience has been (likes and dislikes), what amp did you replace and any comments about one brand over the other. Your experience with demos etc. Do you use a tube or SS line stage?
Thanks
128x128falconquest

Showing 5 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,678 posts
 
I went from:

Parasound P7 / A23s

to

P7 / IcePower 250 ASP

to

Luxman 507ux

The first change was audibly neutral. I could not tell the difference between the Parasound A23s and the equivalent IcePower modules, for the good and the bad.

I switched to Luxman because:

  • Meters! < grin >
  • Tube-like midrange- Better extension in the bass and treble- Transparent tone controls (which the P7 did not fully have)


All of these to me sounded better than Pass, which to me sounds lean and scratchy, as if I’m listening to a dirty record even when the source is digital. Did I switch from IcePower to Luxman because Class A/B was better than D? Absolutely not. My trials with Parasound and IcePower proved those two models were simply indistinguishable. And this was the real problem. In retrospect the A23s and IcePower module were too warm and syrupy. The Luxman more open and made the previous two feel constrained.


In retrospect I can't really say if the character of the Parasound/IcePower was really due to the amps or the preamp itself.  It might have been.



Hope this helps,

Erik
erik_squires
15,678 posts
 
You can't compare a Class D feedback loop with a linear amp's feedback loop.  Stop it.
erik_squires
15,678 posts
 
BTW: I like some class D a lot better than some class A.

I’ve had audiophiles in my home and not once has anyone said "wow, those amps really sound like Class D."

You could not tell a class D from a good linear amp as being Class D. You can hear differences like you can with any amps but none of the tired tropes about class D deficiencies need apply here.

Best,

E
erik_squires
15,678 posts
 
George's ability to cut and paste is unsurpassed by anything other than his passion of convincing those who like Class D that they must be mistaken.

Whatever you personally have experienced, it's irrelevant because George has an ancient article to share.

Hahahaha.

erik_squires
15,678 posts
 
45 years in audio. I’ve never sampled Class D. Why? Because Class A is so satisfying.


Hard to tell which came first though. It's like mom's home cooking, if that's what you like and want to have nothing else will do. 

Best,

E
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