Which Class D Amplifier? PS Audio, Ghent, Nord, Merrill or other???


I’m looking for a new amp & want Class D.

I’ve seen various brands mentioned, such as PS Audio, Ghent, Nord, Merrel to name a few, but I’ve not heard any of them.

Which company is producing the best sounding Class D?
Which models should I be looking to demo?


Thanks



singintheblues

Showing 6 responses by gdnrbob

I am waiting for Ralph Karsten to finish his Class D amp. If anyone can build a great amp, it's him.
B
@georgehifi ,
To say Ralph,
'  he buys the modules does a small mod so it can be said to be better, throws in in a box, and there’s his beer money',  
is a bit harsh and uncalled for.

To the contrary, his amps are quite stable for a wide range of speakers.
Those speakers with low impedance are difficult to drive even in SS.

Regarding Class D amps:
In fact, I have spoken to him about it and he seems to have come up with an ingenious way to deal with switching issues.
Bob
@rsf507 ,
I wish I could be more precise, but I was listening to a system with equipment I never listened to before, so I really can't give an opinion because it might have been one component that affected sound reproduction to lead me to 'sounded okay'.
I can say that there was nothing harsh or class D'ish, like I have heard before. Did it wow me? no. But, it was respectable.
As I said before, I am waiting for Ralph Karsten's amp. If he can build it, it will be a killer.
bob
@georgehifi ,
Similar or better.
Knowing Ralph, he is going to surprise us all.
(Now Rob Schneider in Cajun outfit saying 'You can do it Ralph').
B
I just listened to amps from Merrill-116 monoblocks.
They sounded pretty good, but are unfortunately very expensive.
Bob
@celander ,
The lure of Class D is a more efficient amp. Here on Long Island, we pay through the nose for power-at least it is fairly clean. I love my tubes and SS amps, but if I could get something similar that runs cool and cheap, heck, I am all for it.
Bob