GaN-based Class D power amps


The use of GaN-based power transistor tech is now emerging for Class D audio power amplifiers. Seems appropriate to devote a forum thread to this topic. At least 3 companies have commercial class D amps in their books:

Merrill Audio, with their model Element 118 ($36k per monoblock, 400 W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms), Element 116 ($22k per monoblock, 300 W into 8 ohms, 600W into 4 ohms) and Element 114 (coming soon). 
https://merrillaudio.net

Review of Element 118 at this link:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1018/Merrill_Audio_Element_118_Monoblock_Amplif...

ADG Productions, with their Vivace Class D amp ($15k per monoblock pair, 100W into 4 ohms). (The designer emailed me indicating he has another product in the pipeline.)
http://agdproduction.com
Review of the Vivace Class D moniblocks at this link (warning: link might not work (1/11/2019)):
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/agd-production-vivace-gantube-monoblock-ampli...

Technics SE-R1 Class D stereo amp ($17k per stereo amp, 150WPC into 8 ohms, 300WPC into 4 ohms) 
https://www.technics.com/us/products/r1/se-r1.html
Preliminary review of the Technics SE-R1 at this link:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-se-r1-digital-amplifier
Technics also has a lower priced GaN-based class D integrated amp in their catalog:
https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/stereo-integrated-amplifier-su-g700.html

Anyone listened to or own any of these amps?


128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xcelander

Showing 2 responses by mallard1

Hi Guys and greetings from Germany!
I'm new here this is my first post in this forum. While surfing around through the internet looking for news about Class-D amps I found this thread and somehow had the feeling to add a comment. Because luckily I'm one of the 1st owners of a pair of the AGD Vivace GaNTiube monos here in Germany. When I finally got a pair of the "ready to release" version of the GanTubes I was blown away and could not stop to listen these little things. I must say I was used to a Nelson Pass F5 Turbo (pure Class A) and I always were happy with the F5 but the GaNTubes have blown it away. In every aspect, especially the mid-highs they distribute so much... lets say 3D sound. I was just astonished about the difference to my F5. It feels like you can grap
every single instrument or singer in the room. Just fantastic! If someone has the chance to listen to the AGDs I can only recommend to take the time and do so, it will be a great experience.
I'm driving a 8Ohm broadbandspeaker-Expo horn with 93dB efficiency. And it perfectly fits together.
Of cource 15k $ for pair of the AGDs is a lot of money but for HiFi lovers in my point of view worth every single Cent.
Cheers,Mallard


Guys, I don't understand why always in forums like this new things, technologies got trashed and blamed just because only a few people had the chance to really experience these new things and only a few people know how good they really are.
The topic of this thread is "There are new GaN based Class D amps out there, has anyone listen to it or even own one of it?". I want to stick to topic and want to add: I'm using the AGDs Vivace GaNTubes together with a Mark Levinson No.28 Pre (yes it's an old one but still in very good shape compared to many others) and it works perfectly together. At least from what I can hear :). I would be interested to hear from other people experiences from listening sessions against other power amps maybe...I'm not interested in discussion whether or not they are worth the money. This question has everyone to decide by themselves... as always. Either you drive in a Porsche from A to B or in VW Golf, both bringing you to the finish but with the Porsche it's a lot more fun :)
Cheers,Mallard