Class D - A Fork in the Road
So it seems these newer Class D amps are splitting into two paths. Now I'm not asking which is better, the Purifi Eigentakt, or the GAN models. I am asking is if you can describe the sound of each compared to the other. I understand which one is better is subjective, and opinion based, but a general description would be helpful to make my choice closer to what I want to hear. Thanks.
Ralph @atmasphere is correct on all fronts. GaN FET Class D is much better than the typical stuff designed in Europe and made in China. They are cheaper in price because of volume whereas companies like Orchard Audio & Atmasphere design and manufacture everything here in North America. I heard Ralph’s Amps at the NJ/NYC Audio Show this past weekend and they sounded great driving Popori Speakers.
As did Orchard Audio sound fantastic driving Soundfield Audio Cardiod/Open Baffle Speakers. |
The Atma-Sphere Class D GaNFET monoblocks are wonderful-sounding amps that show impressive transparency and natural sound when driving my PS Audio FR10 speakers. The FR10s use planar tweeters and midranges that expose the outstanding clarity of the A-S amps without any harshness or exaggerated detail. These amps include a toroidal power supply that helps support low-end grunt and tonal body without any of the leanness heard in some of the cheaper GaNFET or Class D module amps being produced outside the U.S. using switch-mode power supplies. I leave the A-S monoblocks switched on 24/7, and they barely get warm. |
