LSA Voyager GAN Amplifier

I’ve determined execution of power supply in particular  (to drive harder loads with lower distortion) and in some cases (like for use with a tube pre-amp, typically higher output impedance) input stage as well  are major factors with Class D amps that distinguish the gems from the pack. A limited Icepower Class D amp from an exceptional one. Limited meaning sounds OK with most speakers. Exceptional means brings out the best with most any speakers. Probably same with GaN, perhaps even more so with the stakes raised? GaN based amps are newer so I would expect the best is largely still yet to come there.

I have 8 Class D amps running in my house (see system page...can you identify all 8?). Cost ranges from ~$100 MSRP to over 6K. Also done a lot of research and listening to various systems with Class D amps in recent years. Looking forward to trying some newer GaN offerings as well perhaps in the very near future.

I’d be willing to bet GaN is a technological enhancement that can deliver higher levels of performance but results may still vary perhaps even widely depending on implementation details and system its used in.

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Finished HiFi TPA3255 Class D Power Amplifier 2.1 Subwoofer Bluetooth 5.0 300W*2 | eBay

Not yet.

I have a similar amp by Fosi though a few years old  that uses TI TPA3116 chip that I use in a small 2 channel a/v setup.   Even these sound very good, amazing for the price, and drive kef ls50s very well.

I like amps that sound good and measure well. 

This discussion is way off topic.  Needs its own thread. 

@jerryg123 I am also very interested in hearing and learning more about the miniGan. Seems like a winner for the asking price.  I'm expecting many more like it in the near future.  

I would love to just stick something like a NAD m33 in my system and be done. I need to go back when I have more time and kick the tires on that one some more. Have heard mostly Icepower not Purifi to-date so not sure what to expect regarding differences in sound.

I am always on the lookout for new developments relating to Class D amps.   GaN is one, but more to an amp than only that.    Need to hear them to properly assess.   Have not heard yet, but on the lookout.   THe Class D amps I have had for a number of years now still bang my drum so not as motivated to jump as I might be.   With new technology, waiting a bit for new advancements to take hold usually pays dividends in terms of value.

The famous and insightful 1980's audiophile Ronald Reagan got it right:  Trust but verify.   Verifying is the tricky part.     You can take an already good sounding system, a prime candidate for some "tweak" to try and make it even better,  do nothing, and it will still sound good, probably even different to the user each time it is listened to.  Can be many factors at play including changes in weather and physiology day to day.   Not to mention mindset.  No mind, no sound.   Some will have more concrete standards to verify than others, like a clear explanation of how something works that makes sense.  Then the value proposition comes into play.  Hardcore audiophiles like Mr. TBV:   R. Reagan might perceive great value with very minor changes, and be inclined to spend more money for it.  YMMV.  It is what it is.   Where things head south is when one merely trusts.  Lots of folks out there who want your money.  Gotta be careful.  Verify!

So what if someone likes certain amps or designers?  It's an opinion.   Just accept it and move on.  No need to demonize.  Some people come across a bit stronger than others.   SO what?  Speak your mind and move on.  No need to squabble.   Does not look good for anyone.

I got a small sampling of a nad m33 with the latest Purifi technology the other week running a pair of smaller Totem monitors I am not specifically familiar with in a showroom. Did not have time to assess exactly what I was listening to (room correction in play?) but I came out thinking that was certainly different. Insufficient time and access to say if it was good, bad, or better than what I am used to . Definitely was different and very unique. Very midrange-y I’d say for whatever reason.  Not the Totem sound I have heard in general over the years.  I'm sure some things could have been done to tweak that setup, but an interesting listen nonetheless.

I run BEl Canto ref1000m amps in my setup for a number of years now. THey’ve been pretty much the bees knees of amplifiers for me to-date. Also a BC c5i which is lower power but newer Class D Icepower board I think. THe two sound much different. I attribute at least some of that to the ARC tube pre-amp I run with the ref1000ms versus C5i all digital integrated amp. Also c5i has SPL limits whereas ref1000ms never break a sweat. See system pics. I am a big Bel Canto fan for great sound in a compact package and always looking for what they come up with next.

A bit off topic but I have a question about NAD m33 and Purifi.

Specs indicate same power into 4 ohms as 8 as I recall. Not sure what to make of that?  I could see where that was a factor in the results I heard with the small Totem monitors.

Whereas Icepower with a good power supply like BC ref1000m indicate power doubling mostly into 4 ohms along with significant current delivery capability. Both seem to indicate high damping.

THe ref1000m amps have been an ideal mate for my larger Ohm Walsh speakers in particular. I attribute that to some degree to the power doubling into 4 ohms, high damping and significant current delivery. Would not want to lose that.