GaN-based Class D power amps


The use of GaN-based power transistor tech is now emerging for Class D audio power amplifiers. Seems appropriate to devote a forum thread to this topic. At least 3 companies have commercial class D amps in their books:

Merrill Audio, with their model Element 118 ($36k per monoblock, 400 W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms), Element 116 ($22k per monoblock, 300 W into 8 ohms, 600W into 4 ohms) and Element 114 (coming soon). 
https://merrillaudio.net

Review of Element 118 at this link:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1018/Merrill_Audio_Element_118_Monoblock_Amplif...

ADG Productions, with their Vivace Class D amp ($15k per monoblock pair, 100W into 4 ohms). (The designer emailed me indicating he has another product in the pipeline.)
http://agdproduction.com
Review of the Vivace Class D moniblocks at this link (warning: link might not work (1/11/2019)):
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/agd-production-vivace-gantube-monoblock-ampli...

Technics SE-R1 Class D stereo amp ($17k per stereo amp, 150WPC into 8 ohms, 300WPC into 4 ohms) 
https://www.technics.com/us/products/r1/se-r1.html
Preliminary review of the Technics SE-R1 at this link:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-se-r1-digital-amplifier
Technics also has a lower priced GaN-based class D integrated amp in their catalog:
https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/stereo-integrated-amplifier-su-g700.html

Anyone listened to or own any of these amps?


128x128celander

Showing 2 responses by jim2

Wow, China seems like a really nice place...so caring for it's people and the "Greater Good".  Always sharing goodwill and never stealing intellectual property from others who created it.  What's more, their people are so "kind and giving" that they are willing to work for a penance so that others can have nice things for cheap. Heck, the CCP even donated the Chinese Flu to the rest of the world for free! 

The fact of the matter is, Evil exists in the world.  Not all people are "good" or wish you well, and it ain't just because of "Mommy and Daddy issues".  The CCP laughs at those who give it the benefit of the doubt, which makes it stronger and spreads more pain in the world.

That's TRUTH. 

My preference will always to be to buy something made elsewhere than China and buy local / USA if it exists. That more manufacturing is moving out of CHI-NUH is a GREAT thing for the world. 
Yes, you are the smartest on the planet.....maybe you and Trump should go into business together. He says he is the smartest person too. By the way, I love Trump......and all the 7.8 billion children of God on this planet.

Isn't it interesting that a guy as "dumb" as Trump continues to live rent free in the liberal mind even when talking about audio?  

It's GLORIOUS...