High end Class D amps?

phd

I don't agree that today's class D can be compared to constantly evolving computers

My EVS1200 is a dual mono using IcePower As1200 modules which are highly tweaked by EVS.

See the new Stereophile review of PS Audio M1200s. As amazed as MF is, I bet they can't hold EVS jock strap

Ralph, if GFi is right, that you are close to releasing your class D, I volunteer to compare/comment on it vs my much beloved EVS 1200, dual mono IcePower AS 1200 modules with lots of Rics pixie dust. My speakers are EP 3.4s 12' concentric driver with polyester tweeter. Digital is a Oppo 105 with upgraded LPM, Furutech rhodium IEC with silver tail to LPM and ground, plus jumper to replace 110/220 switch. Series 8 WireWorld ICs and Series 7 speaker cables. CorePower 1800 into 20 amp dedicated line

Listen to Ric!  He knows what's up.

I had Emerald Physics 100.2SE monos (with custom fuses), which I replaced with PS Audio M700 monos, which sounded quite good, but I couldn't resist that Ric introduced his EVS 1200 dual mono IcePower AS1200 module based amp with a 30 day guarantee. Twice the power for my ~ 20 x 35 x 12 room. Similar $$$$, but no comparison.


Im still waiting on the Voyager GaN amp. What little I know is that it is mostly a ground up design. Lots of trial and errors. Im still looking forward to receiving it, but even less convinced that it can be that much better than my EVS1200. Time will tell

hth

mdiaz

I think a lot of people would be interested in your impressions of the PSA 1200s. Personally, I do not feel the need for tubes in my system, my EVS 1200 is not harsh, unless the recording is

Consider starting a thread

After probably at least a year of driving my EVS 1200 direct from my LPM moded Oppo 105, and having upgraded all cables and speakers I decided to reinsert my Audio Alchemy DDP- 1 + PS 5.


It took a solid 24 hours to relax, and certainly sounds better than when I first reinserted it. I meant to hit replay on my 105 before I went out last night, so it wasn't running any signal. At first I was disappointed, but then realized I needed to turn the volume all the way up on the 105, which I did just before heading out last night


Now, the 'problem' is: when I want to play SACD/DVD-As, I have to reroute my cables back to direct, which is a RPITA. What I did before was also hooked up my Marantz HDCD-1 (as a transport) to the DDP-1, and run them separate. That may be what I do again "Back to the Future"

When I first received my EVS1200, elements in my system were not worthy of it. In the last 9 months I have upgraded interconnects and speaker cables with WireWorld Eclipse Series 8, I also unplugged the 1200 from the CorePower 1800 PLC, now direct to my 20 amp dedicated line. Speakers updated from Emerald Physics KCIIs with Wire World and clarity cap upgrades to EP 3.4s with upgraded outboard XOs and WW jumpers, but I was still using my Oppo 105 with LPM and EIC mods direct to the amp so that I could flip between red book and SACD/DVDs on the fly. Redbook sounded detailed (but I now realize dry). A week ago I decided to reinstall my Audio Alchemy DDP -1 + PS 5: this was right after Peter Madnick left designing really high end kit (I forget whose), but the AA line was/is a mega-bargain.


So no longer able to play SACD/DVD-As without reconnecting the 105 direct to the 1200 BUT... DAMN my jaw drops, re-listening to disks like Jennifer Nettles Playing with Fire, some of the songs are very poorly mixed (3s), now sound like (8s). Is it that the AA is warm,a better impedance match, or just that the dac does a better job playing red book? Perhaps ricrevs will chime in


Obviously my 105 could benefit from additional mods (but I would need to send it out), or replaced with a better universal disc player, but in the mean time... I’m a happy camper playing red book


hth

+1 phd, especially the vote counters

noble,


as an X maggie 3.5R owner, I wish I was aware of this back then. Consider posting this in magnepan threads too

OMG

'Now excuse me I’m going back to the workshop to finish off my 1973 Ducati 750 sport (round-case) engine main bearing replacement.'

so there is something to like about Gfi

You want to talk smooth motorcycles? My 1996 Yamaha Royal Star Classic Cruiser (purchased new out the crate)  is 4 cylinder

aolmrd

I bought a pixie dust sprinkled EVS 1200 dual mono from tweakaudio roughly a year ago. Prior to buying it I had the PS Audio M700s which I liked quite a bit, but my quite large room needs even more umph which the EVS1200 delivered in spades- no tube input needed, or wanted. Best was it was a mere $2300 (~ the same price as the M700s). Since PS Audio went direct, IMO, they should reduce their prices to reflect the 40% dealer markup, so while Micky F was very impressed, they are not the bargain they should be, and I doubt they would rival tweakaudios version

madavido
The problem with Putzy's quote is that many aspiring a'philes cannot afford class A $$$$$, not just the initial purchase, but also the cost of electricity to run it, and cool it, especially if the owner lives in a warm climate, as I do. Way back when (some 25 years ago) I owned a Kinergetics KBA 75 (all class A), which was amazing, and the only amp of many I tried that could grab a hold of my Genesis Vs and make them play properly. Sadly I blew it up changing power cords without letting the caps discharge


Next, consider most rooms are far from ideal as listening rooms, meaning playback is compromised from the get go. My most recent Ds were Audio Alchemy DPA-1, PS Audio M700s; both sounded quite good, but lacked the drive my large room requires. The back wall (behind me)  from my listening position is 3 sided floor to ceiling glass ~ 15ft away, so zero back wall reinforcement

My EVS1200 (~1200 wpc in 4 ohms) does a great job of conveying all the musical ques to my Emerald Physics 3.4s, though over the weekend I reinserted my 2 SVS powered subs which helped considerably to fill the space with a decent SPL

hth

greenwichct

I am envious of the Black Ravs. I heard them here. They were extraordinary, especially the doubles, but too rich for my blood

I THINK the tubes in PSA M1200s are specific. Not sure what the availability of other brands would be for rolling. 


I have owned many different class D amps for over a decade. A few I would say would have benefited from a romantic tube somewhere in the system, BUT, D has gotten much better, especially in the high freqs, to where, IMHO, changing cables would be the better option. The Cable Company would be a good source to try a variety of cables


I have a Tweakaudio EVS 1200, which uses the same IcePower AS1200 modules as PS Audio M1200, but are highly tweaked by Tweakaudio. No tubes anywhere in my system, and it's very detailed without being edgy


hth

@phd


I had a HCA-2 and still have a PSAudio GCC 250 (moded as new by Chris Johnson) that I bought when it first came out. I then had several W4S models > Emerald Physics 100.2 SEs with upgraded fuses > Audio Alchemy DPA-1> PS Audio M700s, and now, and for the foreseeable future, my awesome EVS 1200, though I am still in line for the Voyager GaN


Stereophile has a very nice review of the $2500 Marantz 30 integrated

Apparently PS Audio's M1200s are really good. New review in TAS, is very positive @ $5999/pair, so... if you need big power on a 'budget', these could well be your amps. If not, I believe Underwood HiFi is rounding the bend and heading for home with their 200wpc Voyager, which I think will be < $4000

twoleftears

Now that IS funny

Let's just hope it isn't true