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Why no Class D integrated love? (from manufacturers)

Unless I'm mistaken, it seems that Class D integrateds are not receiving the same attention from manufacturers as a whole. Sure there are the Peachtrees and NAD's of the world but by and large it seems the better class D tech is going into separates right now and that's somewhat disappointing to me. It's easy to find affordable separates based on the latest Icepower and Hypex modules but almost impossible to find integrateds based on anything but the lower end modules, for example the Nord integrateds.  Perhaps I am missing something? It just seems like this is an area that is ripe for some innovation. Anyone making "affordable" integrateds based on Hypex NC500 or IcePower AS1200 for example?
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jackd
1,037 posts
 
https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/product-page/nord-two-int-a-ice-1200as2-integrated-amplifier
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
OP, yes the Nord’s were good at their price point under £2k. I understand the revised boards have further improved them but feel that they would still fall behind some of the better class D (and A/B) amps that we tested, but to be fair those other amps are more expensive.

With regard to IcePower 1200AS based amps, we haven’t tried at this time. Our audio friend who conducted a comprehensive test of class D may have but they weren’t mentioned as a Best Buy to me.

As mentioned before don’t get overexcited about GaN, there are better existing class D amps. Perhaps things might change in the future? 

Coming back to integrated class D amplifiers Nuprime might be worth checking out, although we haven’t had personal experience.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I have a class D Rogue Pharaoh integrated hybrid. Have had it for about 4 years now and still very much enjoy it's  sound. It has bested every class A/B amp I have owned and not by a narrow margin. The only things I have done to this amp is put Mullard NOS tubes in the pre section and added a quality power cord.
clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2 OP
201 posts
 
mr_m

What kind of modules do the Rogues use? 
clarinetmonster2's avatar
clarinetmonster2 OP
201 posts
 
Well, so far the Parasound HINT is my benchmark (with the C7es3) by which all others will be judged:
After trying the Heed Elixir for a longer listen with a friend, it’s not a keeper at all. Parasound blows it away. Case in point, listening to Radiohead, All I need. Towards the end when things start getting dense with the organ and bells sounds etc, with the Parasound I was able to hear every distinct sound including hearing exactly what was being played on the bells, imaged high and to the right. Through the Heed I had to strain to hear the same thing as it was all smeared. Also the tone of voices and instruments was much more natural and 3 dimensional with the Parasound and more detail. So, as expected, a blowout win for the HINT. Not unexpected for the price but I had higher hopes for the Heed after reviews. 
So, I repeat - if there's a class D integrated that is on the same level or better than the HINT for near the same price let me know and I will see if I can try it.
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