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Class D amps that are superior to all or most?

Recently, I have heard about some Class D amps that may be close to the best there is regardless of class. Certainly, this technology has been in development for decades. The main issue has always been the switching power supply. In this regard, I have taken notice of AGD. They have created a whole new power supply that “switches” at a frequency 100 times the normal silicon based MOSFET. The designer uses a gallium nitride based PS. Interesting, it is enclosed in the KT88 glass envelope that sits on top of his amps. I am aware of two more pricey amps that seem to be also at the top- the Solution and the Merrill. There must be others that compete for the title. After my thread, “Is there a SS amp that can satisfy a SET guy?”, I am still on the quest.
Don’t want to spend $50K!
mglik
rh67
307 posts
 
I have owned the AGD Audion amps for about a month now. They sound great i was a SET guy and the AGD's bring the best of SET and SS without the past flaws of class D.

AGD offers a trial period, i did this and had all intentions of sending them back but they surprised me at how good they were so i bought them and they continue to get better. Take the trial as i did and find for yourself it`s worth it.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 



Class D amps that are superior to all or most?


To most Class-D's
Technics SE-R1 https://www.technics.com/us/products/r1/se-r1.html

Technics SU-R1000 (maybe) https://www.technics.com/us/products/reference-class/integrated-amplifier-su-r1000.html

But they probably still don’t quite reach the sound of the very best solid state high bias linear amps.

Cheers George

soix
11,250 posts
 
Underwood HiFi was launching a 200Wpc GAN amp for $3000 under the LSA brand that was supposed to bow around now so might be worth checking out.  Also, although I haven’t heard them from the few reviews I read the D-Sonic amps supposedly punch way above their price and offer a trial period.  Just a couple other potential options FWIW.  Let us know whatever you find, and best of luck. 
speakermaster
738 posts
 
A solid state amp that can compete with any tube amp is the parasound hca3500 but you need to feed it right and buy the best front end you can with the best cables and conditioner and when you do wow you will be hard pressed to find a better amplifier.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Underwood HiFi was launching a 200Wpc GAN amp for $3000 under the LSA

And don't throw this new one away yet just because it's very inexpensive.
 A US made and designed Class-D using GaN technology, for just $699!!!!!!!!

https://www.classdaudio.com/mini-gan-5-balanced-power-amplifier.html

https://premium-audio.com/

Cheers George
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