Class D = Trash?


So, I'm on my second class D amp. The first one, a Teac AI-301DA which claimed to use an ICE module, was unlistenable trash. I burned it in for a few weeks, it just couldn't perform, so I sent it back. Following that, I tried the new Emotiva A-300 (class A/B). It was significantly better, but lacking in too many ways for my tastes. So I changed gears, got an 845 SET from China -- and it was an immediate and massive improvement.

So, before I went further down the SET road, I wanted to try a better class D product using a modern class D module. I settled on the D-Sonic M3-800S with the Pascal module and custom input stage. I read from reviews that these things like to have big cables, so I picked up an eBay 8 gauge power cable (Maze Audio, el-cheapo Oyaide copy plugs, braided 4-wire cable) to go along with it.

Mid-range GONE.
Soundstage depth CRUSHED.
Euphonics DISAPPEARED.

Yes, resolution went up. Driver control went up, allowing me to play compressed rock/pop and orchestra with the speakers being able to render it all. But enjoyment in the sound is basically gone. Using my best power cable (LessLoss Original) improved performance, but didn't fundamentally change the amp's nature. I ran back to my headphones (Focal Utopias) to detox my ear canals.

So, how long does a class D need to burn-in? I want to give it a fair shake before writing the technology off forever. 
madavid0
I'm with you  madavid0 .

The only one I've heard that did something for me was the Bel Canto 600 monoblocks, but that was only with an expensive two way with a Raven tweeter that had a very flat, benign impedance curve of 4ohms.

I didn't like it on a different speaker that had an impedance curve that had up and down impedance's like most speakers have. I could see it being good with Maggie's as they are also a benign 4ohm load.

Cheers George    
PS Audio has one coming in May that uses a Class A MOSFET input stage and then a Class D output stage for the power.

I think there are others like that

The nad Masters series should be pretty good and IIRC it is Class D

I would not give up on an entire circuit topology based on two examples, but I would be very careful and not purchase without a listening test or a return privilege.
The Spectron Musician III Mk.2 and Merrill Veritas are definitely not trash.  Both sounded as good as my Sanders Magtech.