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Class D Technology

So I get the obvious strengths of Class D. Efficiency, power output & running cool which allows for small form factors. I also understand the weaknesses somewhat. 1. Non-linear & lots of distortion that needs to be cleaned up with an output filter. 
So my question is, if it weren't for efficiency & power, would there be any reason to own a Class D amp? Do they beat Class A in any other categories that count for sound quality?  
seanheis1
jafant
10,525 posts
 
Classe' would top my list.
mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
I recall when I was in college I could hear well to 20khz. I know because I ran tests.

I also found it much harder to get sound that was not fatiguing. This is back in analog days even.

These days I know I cannot hear to that extent which is normal for ears my age. I find listening not fatiguing at all and can listen enthralled for hours and not want to stop. With most any kind of music or recording. Well except the occasional really bad modern loud pop mp3. That’s what its all about. Maybe there is some advantage to getting older after all.

Any young cubs out there still with golden ears out to 20khz? I’d like to be able to associate what people like to listen to with their age and measured hearing  which becomes less extended for all as one gets older. I suspect a big correlation there.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
164 posts
 
Admittedly, I have limited experience with Class D. About three years ago, I bought a Peachtree Nova 125. At first, I loved the 'sparkle' that it produced at the high end. But shortly thereafter, I kinda got tired of it. I felt like I was listening to music much less than before. When I replaced my speakers with BW CM10, the brightness was too much to bear.

I replaced the Peachtree with a Parasound A23 (I now own A21 BTW), and the difference, at least to me, was night and day. The music was much more balanced all the way. I listened longer and enjoyed my music more than before.

Perhaps other brands, or higher price points, yield better results. I don't know. But I was not all that impressed with Class D.
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 

To the O.P.... Whether or not class D amps are inherently better or worse than any other topology is a false problem.


Rather, with class D amps, like with any other topologies, you are bound to find amps that are of your liking, and others that you will hate with passionate abandon.


The key is... Set your budget, and then... Use your own ears to evaluate and determine what you like!


Ignore the pronouncements of any manufacturer who is committed to any particular topology -- Hello Atma, how doing?


Ignore those who attempt to denigrate a class of operation as a whole, be it D, A/B, A, or tubed, particularly when they are basing their pronouncements on measurements, graphs, and specs.


Like any other technology, class D amps range in price... From less than $1K, to at least $60K... Some amps -- -- might sound a little non-denominational, and might sound even sterile, without much sublety. Other ones, even modestly priced, are amazingly subtle and musical.


One thing to bear in mind, is that class D amps are bears to break in... The wonderful old Bel Canto Ref 1000 Mk.2 took a relatively modest 600 hours to deliver its best, but my NCore-based Rowland M925 monos took about 1500 hours to achieve thier top magic.


I adore my class D Rowland M925 monos without reservations for everything they do... In my opinion, their resolution and seductive grainless musicality is in the same league of the big Solution class A/B amps and the ARC 800 tubed series.


I have no interest in "upgrading" to anything else at this time, as what I heard this far would be, at most, a lateral move... On the other hand, at some future, I might indeed "upgrade". But whether this process will take me to a class D device or a class A/B device remains an open ended question.... I will evaluate, and will decide which gives me "magic" close to my heart, and which manufacturer offers me confidence.


But I admit... in spite of class A and big tubes being as capable to deliver sound that I would adore, There will probably be no pure class A amps in my life... I have no symphaty for inefficient heat generators... Nor will there be big tubed amps, because I have no intereest in tendeng and swapping sagging or burnt-out tubes.


   Saluti, Guido

 

mapman's avatar
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mapman
15,679 posts
 
Guido, thanks for the very practical and level headed advice. I suspect you have more experience with more Class D amps among others than most anyone, plus as far as I know you do not have any particular financial interest in any particular product line or type, so together that all means a lot.

I agree amp type alone means little. Its all in the execution as usual. Not just of the amp but matching system as a whole. There are many options of all types, some better than others and all surely somewhat different. Its best to understand something about them all and then decide. No one type will likely ever own 100% of the pie.  But I suspect Class D will continue to own an increasing larger slice over teh next few years anyway.   Who knows what might come next after that?
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