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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
mjmch2003
236 posts
 
I have owned many amps, but currently have a bel canto ref 500 (class d) powering a pair of monitor audio pl200 speakers. I needed enough power to get the ribbon tweeters to liven up. Tried a Bryston and couldn't listen for more than 5 minutes - way too harsh. With the bel canto, and a ps audio ac-12 power cable, I get the low end of the bryston without the aggression of the bryston's treble. After the amp/speaker match, everything else fell into place for me. I feel this amp/speaker match is critical to the entire system - and likey less a matter of amp design than component matching.  
Post removed 
calvinj
1,594 posts
 
Only tubes for me. KR audio va 900. Using Kt 120 tubes. Great sounds all around. Organics, transparency, soundstage depth and width.  Open midrange with a sweet and airy treble. Tight bass. 
frame11
12 posts
 
I am using a 4 channel amp from ClassD Audio. I am super happy with the amp. I purchased the CDA-1000 which is essentially the CDA 250-L x 2. I purchased the kit and assembled myself. I will be adding 2 more channels to power a multi-channel active crossover system designed by Siegfried Linkwitz (LXmini + add-on subs).

Tom, the owner is great to work with and incredibly helpful.

The idea that class d amps are inferior to class A/B/C/Z is hogwash..... typical audiophile BS.

tedkaz's avatar
tedkaz
1 posts
 
Not for nothing but why do you care if the Amp is an inefficient Class A design versus a Super Efficient Class D. You listen with your ears and not with feedback used to generate gain. Blanket ideas is what allows the marketing gurus to convince people that brown bag of dog poop is the best thing their is. If you have free clean electricity and need heat of course get the Class A by all means.
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