New to Class D / Purifi - thoughts before I purchase, details below

@desktopguy 

I’m a big fan of class D amps, having had great sonic success with amps using ICEPower or NCore modules (I have 3 such amps at this time).

Same here. At the end of the day, I think money is better spent on an NC502MP or ICE, a real external preamp and an EQ for rich color, bass and detail. Even then, the class D modules seem to negate any sonic signature of a preamp. If we can come down to reality, all these modules do not use exotic Jupiter, Clarity or Mundorf capacitors for color and soundstage, so don't expect to get it. They all should sound flat like any big box amplifier.

@bartsw -- good point about preamp. Same applies to DAC and/or streamer. Those can and should be "voiced" in whatever way the user most appreciates, and that sound will carry through, to at least some extent, through the amp(s) to the speakers.

Another point about amps in general: historically in big, powerful SS amps, the same sonic divide existed in the range of amp sound users like. Some seek out amp designs that are "neutral," "flat," "accurate," "high resolution," etc. Others like me seek out amps that sound closer to how music IRL sounds, in terms of tone, timbre and presence of some foundation warmth. This divide exists in class D amps just as it does in class A and A/B amps. I need a class D amp due to space limitations on my desktop, also because any amp that throws a lot of heat in this home office just jacks up the temps and makes me pay for more AC to nullify it. Even so, a class D amp that sounds bright and edgy (something class D amps in general are sometimes accused of) would do me no real good.

I managed to find 3 class D amps that, at least to my ears, sound quite good. They have their own "sound," and it pleases me no matter what gear is upstream. But there’s also no doubt these class D amps can create synergy with my NOS DAC, also chosen for its musical sound. And depending on which preamp I use (multiple options), both the class D amp and NOS DAC may lock in with the preamp.

It’s all about "color, bass and detail" (well said).

@mendef 

I owned a B&K Ex 442 decades ago. Currently own among other amps, a mono pair of Merrill Audio Veritas. 

Been too long to compare but if you're ok with greater transparency and meaningful bass response, Class D is a nice option 

Before I bought my VTV amp, I asked Claude if the input buffer was important.  He said the consensus was no. 

@skeptikal Just so you know, the input buffer is very important and I doubt there is a consensus otherwise. In a lot of class D amplifiers its the primary source of distortion! Its also one of the bigger reasons you hear people saying opposite things about Hypex and Purifi; that and the power supply itself.

Don't believe everything you hear from Claude or any AI. 

Thank you everybody.