What is your favorite Class D amp?


Moving to a new home with a smaller dedicated listening room has caused me to rethink my entire system.  I have always been a fan of EL34 tube amps and presently have a Primaluna HP (4 tubes per channel), but the size and heat make this a bit more difficult in my new set up.  So I have been thinking about going with a smaller, less hot class D amp.  But being a tube guy, I have never seriously looked into or listen to these amps.

so what is your favorite class D amp?  New or used, in the 5k range, but could go up to 10k.  Preamp is a Conrad Johnson ET-7.  Speaker will be in the monitor/mini-monitor class (so I don’t need high power for a smallish room) but have not made my final decision on speakers as the amp/speaker synergy makes this kind of a joint decision.

I purposely asked for “favorite” to be a bit more open in your relies.

thanks, Bill

meiatflask

@reavesdc I've never had an issue. I asked Grok about Duets with 2ohms loads: 

Key Performance Expectations with 2-Ohm Loads:

  • Power and Current Handling: The Duets can deliver peak currents exceeding those of many traditional Class A/B amps in this power class, often estimated at 600W+ into 2 ohms based on their doubling pattern and GaN architecture. Reviewers note they "anchor perfect control of image and musical energy regardless of amplitude," even with speakers featuring complex impedance curves.
  • Sound Quality: Expect retained transparency, speed, and SET-like warmth without compression or distortion. Bass remains tight and extended (no muddiness), mids gain lifelike body, and highs stay smooth and detailed. They excel with "difficult loads" like those with upper-bass impedance dips, outperforming conventional Class D designs in grip and effortlessness.
  • Stability and Efficiency: No thermal issues or shutdowns, thanks to >94% efficiency and minimal heat generation. They're praised for driving "any demanding loudspeaker" with authority, similar to higher-end AGD models like the Solo (rated for >70A peaks into 4 ohms).
  • Limitations: While robust for most high-end speakers, extremely reactive or phase-shifting loads below 2 ohms might push limits at ear-splitting volumes, but this is rare in home audio. They're not ideal for massive horns requiring 1,000W+ bursts, where the pricier Solo would shine.

In your high-end system, pairing Duets with 2-ohm-dipping speakers would likely yield punchy, fatigue-free playback—far better than amps that falter here. For confirmation, AGD offers in-home trials to test with your specific setup.

 

I have happily owned AGD Audions and AS Class Ds.

ASs are significantly better. While the AGDs sound beautiful, the ASs have tighter bass, better detail and fuller sound. 
The ASs are as good or better than AS tube amps.

TAD M2500. Been using it for 7+ years and it is really good. Never think at all about changing. I also use the matching C2000 preamp with their E-1 speakers. Endgame for me.

As already indicated, speakers first. There is no point discussing amps before you know what they'll be driving.