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
This is a side note to the Class D and cool running amps. 

One of the major benefits of running cool or cooler is that the components stay intact longer. A major benefactor of this cooler running amp it the Electrolytic Capacitor that is very common in power amps. The electrolytic capacitor offers higher density, higher voltage and higher capacitance for the size and price. A large number of capacitors and large capacitance is used for the power regulation, even if most of the regulation is done by semiconductors. 

The drying out would typically run about 20 % less after 10 years.  Heat accelerates the drying out of these capacitors reducing the performance faster.  One hopes electronics will last a few decades. Cooler running equipment have a better chance of this occurring. 

Of course, first and foremost are sonics. And it will have to start off very good to have this as a consideration. 
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merrillaudio

I have to say, I was excited to hear your amps (driving Muraudo speakers) at the Florida Expo, but I had to leave the room fairly quickly. The tonal balance was awful. Thin, edgy, lacking in body and natural overtones. I commented about this in another Class D thread and another member chimed in saying he heard the same thing with the Muraudio Speakers at CAF, driven by Triangle Art Class A monos. I'll just say I hope to hear your amps in a more synergistic pairing in the future.
It’s too bad that Merrill (the man) won’t be in the mix at APOXNA 2019 in Chicagoland.