I'm a big fan of switching amplifiers. Like you I had been using well respected linear solid state amplifier. While it was at the manufacturer for upgrades I purchased a PS Audio HPA-2 that had just come out and not yet been reviewed. Aside from the low cost, small size, and low electrical draw and heat, there were sonic attributes that jumped out at me and seemed to have a commonality with all the other class D amplifiers that came through my home.
That said, it's very important to approach class D as a third type of amplifier that is as different as linear solid state amplifiers are to tube amplifiers. It's a different presentation with different strengths and weaknesses.
Another consideration may be the quality of your homes electrical system. Beginning with the PS Audio my home went through a major electrical upgrade for other non audio related reasons. The improvement was immediately noticeable with the switching amplifier and hardly at all with the linear solid state amp.
Over time it became obvious that the switching amplifiers liked copper cabling. At the time NuForce marketed an affordable cable that I preferred over my Cardas Golden Reference.
After auditioning five other class D amps I found the presentation of the NuForce SE's much more to my liking. Ultimately, I replaced them a few years later with a pair of crudely assembled Hypex NC400 kit amplifiers which I currently use in my studio. I really liked the NuForce SEs and the folks in Milpitas were first rate in handling a very minor issue I had.
While the class D amps provide an unparalleled presentation in my studio I've returned to tube amplification in the main system. I suggest holding on to your current amplifier until you've accustom yourself with class D.
That said, it's very important to approach class D as a third type of amplifier that is as different as linear solid state amplifiers are to tube amplifiers. It's a different presentation with different strengths and weaknesses.
Another consideration may be the quality of your homes electrical system. Beginning with the PS Audio my home went through a major electrical upgrade for other non audio related reasons. The improvement was immediately noticeable with the switching amplifier and hardly at all with the linear solid state amp.
Over time it became obvious that the switching amplifiers liked copper cabling. At the time NuForce marketed an affordable cable that I preferred over my Cardas Golden Reference.
After auditioning five other class D amps I found the presentation of the NuForce SE's much more to my liking. Ultimately, I replaced them a few years later with a pair of crudely assembled Hypex NC400 kit amplifiers which I currently use in my studio. I really liked the NuForce SEs and the folks in Milpitas were first rate in handling a very minor issue I had.
While the class D amps provide an unparalleled presentation in my studio I've returned to tube amplification in the main system. I suggest holding on to your current amplifier until you've accustom yourself with class D.