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.
@ericrhodes1 Yes, and I agree with your first statement. Some GaNFET amps are compared to top tier class D amps; that seems to happen a fair amount.
@koestner A lot of the customer feedback we have suggests our class D amps take about 450-500 hours to break in properly. That would be very hard to do in a two week period. When people are auditioning our amps I point this bit out. |
New to Class D. I had a Wyred 4 Sound that I really, really wanted to like, lot of power, not bad but it did sound 'clinical' to my ears, and the high end didn't have something I was used to in terms of realism and sparkle. Tried a Fosi, yech, not for me. Someone I trust raving about Aiyima A70 stereo, may try it, but so far I can hear the differences from Class D, even the 'new and improved' ones out last few years. |
This is not true, different circuit designs and parts usually sound noticeably different. The differences may be small or possibly not noticeable, but usually there is a difference enough to make user subjective preferences meaningful. |
@kennyc +1 @kennyc +1 theoretically, class D amp can be precise one on frequency and time domain. in reality, it’s extremely hard to design device, with flawless transfer of continuous analog signal, into width modulated pulses, and then back, by integrating pulse energy using LPF (LPF very challenging part of design, typically not linear due to magnetic cores used for inductors, capacitor ESR, etc.). limitations are: nor precise / fast degrading components, resistive connections, hard-to-shield magnetic fields, fast aging switching SS devices, capacitors, and more.. analog amplifier is much simpler than D class, thus more reliable and predictable over time. class D amp has one significant advantage, - power efficiency, and excellent power per weight ratio. class D amp is the amp of choice for live performance PA system, car sound system, and other applications where high power efficiency, low weight are crucial. |
