Class D - A Fork in the Road

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I would say that was $2.00 worth.

@mgrif104 +1 Correct, design implementation does matter, to push performance to theoretical limits! The same applies to any amp class design, AB/A/SET/D/H/G/..! Good amp design includes perfect topology, components, signal/power/thermal/mechanical integrity, component aging considerations, validation/tests, and final auditioning. You may try to find precise microphone with extended up to 100kHz range and check if no ultrasound is generated around amp., dogs typically don’t like it and walk away when “bad” D class amp is turned ON. 

I used 80kW total output power of D-class amps in live shows, with active PA signal processing (freq./phase/delay/hall-acoustic correction). Such PA system setup isn’t possible using AB class amps, class A is even worse. 

@westcoastaudiophile 

I have a dog with seemingly very acute hearing. He lays down in front of both of my systems (class A/B and class D amps).

May I respectfully suggest you reconsider your biases against the topology. I stand by my contention that class D “can” be competitive with anything else and we needn’t relegate it to pro-audio or for the initiated. 

I used to be the assistant engineer at a large performing arts venue in the 80s doing live shows and recording the symphony and smaller shows that came through. I learned a great deal though there was so much more for me to learn before I left. Regardless, I know well of what you speak but it really doesn’t apply here. No signal processing going on in the amps we’re discussing. No digitization or room correction going on either. 

@mgrif104 "suggest you reconsider your biases against the topology"

what “biases”??? I never said class D couldn’t perform, if it was designed well!