Class D is just Dandy!

@erik_squires 

It seems that many folks hear one or two examples of a particular technology and if they like them then they equate that like across that platform. And vice versa some do not like the one or two examples of a tech they've heard and so they think that all examples in that tech sound bad.

Erik, you and I, Guido, and Ralph (and I'm many others) know that Class D can sound good. Obviously Ralph thinks so since he is working on bringing a Class D amp to the market. We also know Ralph made his mark in tubes and so working to offer a Class D amp he is basically stating that Class D can sound good, maybe not like tubes, but good in an of itself.

For those who've heard Class D and don't like it, I challenge you to go listen to Mbl or TAD. They both have Class D offerings that are very very good. You can't judge a book by its cover or its categorization. Don't listen for the Class, just listen for music. You may be very surprised and preconceptions may just be shattered.

*G*....and I've yet to see or hear a Class A amp'd cell phone....

Not that I expect 'serious response' from the speakers in one....that's what Bluetooth is for....;)

(Back to the serious discussion....)

Check out this review:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0220/AGD_The_Audion_GaNTube_Monoblocks_Review.htm

He loves them...bought them...replaced his tube amp.

AGD says they are using the IRS20957S PWM driver chip ($2.01@100).....and probably then a pair of $1.05@ GaNs on the output.  You can see most of the circuit inside the tube in the above review.  This means anyone can do this for practically nothing.  Putting the circuit in a tube is just a gimmick.  If they put that board inside the box and it was made in China with all the very same parts it would sell for around $1000 for the pair of mono blocks....no kidding   AGD are using LM4562 op amps ($1.00 each) on the input. There are no expensive parts in this amp.  You can see the very good sounding inexpensive Wima caps and Nichicon caps.  

But we don't want to wait for the Chinese version that sounds as good for $1000......no, let's buy the one with the board in a tube for $7000......heck, we have money to burn.....he he.  You see, fun times for cheap are right around the corner.  Of course, anyone can make an amp similar to this....if someone else here is the US made it and sold it direct....probably $2500 the pair.....still...way less than $7K.

@ricevs why don’t you do it? (No sarcasm)

Would require more technical ability and energy than I have and my health could be better (I will leave the amp making to the younger guns) .....but mostly I am writing a book that hopefully will make more difference in the happiness of people than a better inexpensive power amp.  I want everyone to be happy!