Class D Technology

To me, not being much of a technical whiz about these things, it's all about the ears. We all have different tastes and we all have different ears, thus we all have different preferences. I recently bought an ARC DSi200 here on Audiogon (the prices for used ones are very attractive) as an expedient replacement for my very capable Hegel H-200 integrated. The latter likes to be powered on 24/7 and uses up 60 watts at idle. Since I live in an area (Northern California) where electricity rates are abusive, I wanted something more efficient than the class AB Hegel to power my Proac Response D2s. I have to say that I'm very happy indeed with the ARC. It has no trace of the harshness or thinness, or even soullessness people so often ascribe to class D amplification. Music sounds very controlled and (pardon the pun) composed which suits my tastes admirably. I'm very happy with what this sound and hopefully, when the next utility bill arrives, I'll be happier still. 

Composed is a great adjective that describes what I hear quite well.  

Last night I listened very closely to my Class D Lyngdorf Int amp comparing it to my highly modified (for the good!) Cary Rocket88R amp with very expensive a great sounding NOS tubes all around. I must say the Lyngorf has soul, body, texture and tone in spades. 

I do do keep mine on 24/7.  

nferre66. Try some vintage NOS Mullard  12au7 tubes in the preamp stage of the Pharaoh. Also a quality inexpensive power cord such as the Harmonic Technologies AC-11. You will be amazed....

@mr_m I bought mine with upgraded tubes and had a bunch of upgraded power cords around. You are right. Amazing.