Class D - A Fork in the Road

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. 

I’ve still yet to hear a face off between the two topologies. Only claims made against "typical" Class D amps. 

Eric,

There are dozens and dozens of A/B comparison between Class D amp vs other topologies, easily researched.  

At Axpona a couple of years ago I got a brief master class in amp topology from Ralph Karsten from Atma-Sphere who for ~40 years has produced really excellent tube gear.  During our visit, I heard his Class D monos driving Spatial Audio speakers, similar to those I owned, and the sound was fantastic, just as fine as the sound with my tube amp and Class A/B amp.  Ralph said that his company sells more of these monos than all of his other gear!

I borrowed an Orchard Audio Starkrimson Class D amp and it was fantastic in all respects.  The seminal work that Mr. Putzey has done with his topology shows where the leading-edge thinkers are and while Ralph has his own design/implementation approach, Class D amplification is clearly and firmly the ascendant technology.

I applaud Ralph for his incredible contributions in the audio world and, more to the point, his selfless contributions on so many threads on this forum.  I relished the half hour he spent with me at Axpona; he sees many paths to supreme enjoyment of music and has himself provided the electronics for many to enjoy that satisfaction.  His Class D mono amps are SOTA and in comparison to similar quality Class A/B amp or tube amps, very affordable.      

OK, so I've come to the conclusion from all the responses that it's not the type of tech, but rather the implementation of the design. So that would mean to me that they're pretty much the same sounding if designed by competent people.

@koestner how many folks have actually compared the two offerings in a meaningful way? Thus able to actually answer your question. I say few. Very few. Not enough to provide a conclusive responsible assessment. 
Class D Audio (GanFet) offers an at home trial period. Take them up on it. 

https://classdaudio.com