My thoughts on my first Class D amp
I recently started 2 threads on this site, Narrowing down choices in a Power Amp and also High Power Amp, Does it Matter at Lower Volumes.
I am grateful for all the input, and thought I would share the results of those posts.
Summary is: I have a Baetis Audio Server, going into a T+A Dac8, into a Mark Levinson ( ML ) 326S into a ML532H power amp. The amp loses a channel on occasion, with strange popping noises sometimes, other times just a single ( not very loud pop ). Time to get this amp fixed or buy another amp.
Well, I am getting the amp fixed, but I bought a Class D RCVTech set of monoblocks.
So, having said all this, WOW. Very happy.
My wife and I sat down last night, and played a variety of music, from the Baetis server. No new music, no streaming, existing tunes we have listened to for years. Nothing but an amp swap.
The RCVTech MPA-1200 monoblocks
1) definitely better stereo separation,
2) definitely way better bass, these monoblocks double down to 700 wpc at 4 ohms, something the ML532H did not do. A world of difference on bass
3) overall better sound, even at low volume. Not bright or fatiguing at any time.
4) more detail, listening to existing tracks we have owned for years, more small background detail,
I wasn't fully sure of what I was buying, but, now, I realize that while I will repair the ML532H, its future use is in question. I am keeping these Monoblock RCVTech MPA-1200 amps in place.
The buying process was easy, the right questions were asked, delivery was fast, for a customized build.
I have the Class A input with 380 wpc at 8 ohms, 700 wpc at 4 ohms, 700 wpc at 2 ohms, THD + N = 0.0009%.
Since this is Class D, not sure how much more money I would have to spend to better this with a conventional build Class A amp? I was considering Pass Labs, who were suggesting XA100.8 or larger. Some day I may actually get to hear these Pass Lab amps, but, there is no urgency, now.
My current Class D Audio amp claims stable to 2 ohms. I don’t have that but it doesn’t break a sweat driving my Ohms or KEFs so I tend to believe it. I’ve had various Class D amps, some beefier than others. Key is choose the right amp for the job regardless of “Class”. Specs and measurements matter. |
@doni Wife and I are both in agreement. My speakers have never sounded this good. I really cranked up Jethro Tull, Locomotive Breath... Starts with piano solo, and then wham, hits with the whole band, guitar, has a flute solo. Just wow. |
I think amps, as well as other components, have a lot to do with what kind of music people listen to. The class D amps I've heard have a strong grip on the music and solid bass. I'm sure rock would sound a lot better on good class D amps than it does on my Hoveland Radia, the last amp made by Hoveland and their only solid state amp. It has the softness and delicacy of tubes with 125 watts per channel. I think a lot of people on this thread would not like my amp much, but I love it for its delicacy on cymbal decay and the way singers' voices seem to hang forever in the air. I do play rock n' roll on my system, and I'm happy with the way it handles rock, although I think Jethro Tull would sound better on @robeffy's system. Like all audio components, I think a good amp has to do with what and how a listener listens. I helped a friend of mine buy a stereo and she liked the NAD Masters Series with a class D amp. For me the system did not project enough air, but she loved it and I kept mum. |
@audio-b-dog I think you are most likely right about amps matching musical preferences. For example, I can see orchestra played music sounding better on tubes, with the harmonic and overtones tubes are good at. I think an amp / preamp that is warm and lush would not sound as good at rock / blues. Makes sense to me!
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