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The Future of Audio Amplification

I have recently paired an Audio Research DS225 Class D amplifier with an Audio Research tube preamplifier (SP8 mkii). I cannot believe how wonderful and lifelike my music sounds. The DS225 replaced an Audio Research SD135 Class AB amplifier. Perhaps the SD135 is just not as good as some of the better quality amps that are out there, but it got me thinking that amazingly wonderful sonance can be achieved with a tubed pre and Class D amp. I have a hunch that as more people experience this combination, it will likely catch on and become the future path of many, if not most audiophile systems. It is interesting that Audio Research has been at the forefront of this development.
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Showing 3 responses by twoleftears

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

I heard Linear Tube Audio preamp + Bel Canto Ref 600 recently, and together they sounded very good.

True audiophilia, on the other hand, involves a certain measure of necessary sufferint.  Class A without a/c in the summer; needed to hire moving people every time you rearrange your listening room, etc.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

Analogy with DAC and vinyl?

Sony launched the CDP-101 in October 1982.  Look where we are today with modern DACs--very much improved.

When was the first commercially available D amp introduced?  Over the same span of years, we can expect similar progress.

At the same time, just as there are today many vinyl enthusiasts, so then, at that date in the future, there will be many Class A enthusiasts, with companies catering to them.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
I don't understand why there isn't more discussion of Bel Canto, specifically in this thread and more generally on A'gon.  They seem to be doing a lot of things right, and at a number of different price points, unlike some manufacturers.
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