High end Class D amps?


Just an observation and a question. Are there 'high end' Class D amps out there that are just as good as Class A, A/B amps? I realize that's a sensitive question to some and I mean no disrespect---but whenever I see others' hifi systems on social media, all of the amps are A or A/B. There's always Pass, McIntosh, Moon, Luxman, Accuphase, etc. Where are the Class Ds? For folks out there that want more power for less efficient speakers and can't afford the uber expensive Class As, A/Bs, what is there to choose from that's close to those brands? Thanks
bluorion

Showing 5 responses by mrdecibel

So, in a nutshell....I want to try a Class D amp. I am looking for 1, that can do all of the best things, tubes and solid state, do wonderfully ( I would say we all want this ). Black background, dynamic, fast and well tempo'd, neutral in tone, no added warmth or color, a beefy power supply ( 50 years later and I still believe in this ), a well damped, non resonant chassis ( this too, is necessary ), well, something that can make my Lascalas ( modified and tweaked, of course ) sing more than how they sing, now.. I have been strictly using solid state for the last 20 years ( no tubes for me, unless a reasonably priced unit gives me all of the above ). The amps that have been in rotation, in no particular order ( all modified ) : Smart Theater Systems TA 242; an original Edge Audio M8 ( Maker Audio ); Yamaha P 2160 ( I have 6 various Yamaha pro amps ); ADA PF 201 ( the sleeper of the bunch ), and a few more. I use a Luminous passive ( they only way for me ). I want to spend as little as possible, to get all of this. Let's have it. 
@speakermaster, I have many of those amps you speak of. I want to try Class D, and judge for myself.
@atmasphere, I have not heard a recent Class D amp in my home, as of this time. What I have heard was not to my liking. I have tried a few " T " amps ( chip amps, for those who might not know ), and although was surprised, not to my liking. I would love for some manufacturer to send me one as an evaluation piece, and let me live with it for a month or two ( I do hear and respond to component break in ). I considered the XTZ Edge A2-300 at $500., but after hearing a comparison on a YT video ( Thomas and Stereo ), to a $4K Classe D200 Class D ( yes, a YT video ), I would not be happy with the XTZ. I am very patient, and I do feel any number of Class D amplifiers would bring me closer to what I am trying to achieve. Just do not want to spend much, at this time, to find out ( been there, done that ). I ALWAYS appreciate your feedback. My best, and be well ! 
@noble100 , I do not have any photos of equipment listed here under myself, so you must have mistakenly, someone else in mind. I have a chip amp ( gainclone ) on it’s way to me, and I am still interested in trying Class D. I do not pay attention to the tonalities of amplifiers, as much as I do, to the recorded details, specifically the rhythmic abilities, showcasing " the playing " of my chosen performers. I want to hear the musicianship, as this, is most important to me. Tubes, although wonderful in so many ways ( and yes, through my Lascalas ), has always failed me in the lower bass and bass region, in getting those 15’s in the doghouses ( the woofer enclosures, bass horns, to the uneducated Klipsch folks ), moving in the way, good ss has done, for me. It is a bit of a trade off. And you know what, the recordings we listen to, are al tradeoffs. I am in anticipation of receiving the 2 latest cds from the recording master himself, Tony Minasian ( Tonian Labs ). His " Drums and Bells ", is a need to have, in determining, what any system / component, is capable of, and, what they are not capable of. @jim2 , that certainly is not me, although, Kramer is a fabulous character, from one of my all time favorite shows. Always, and Enjoy !