2. amps-preamps
  3. 129071-76532

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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
Continuum S2 it’s not a B&O Ice Power Class-D module but this.

http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/topic/123187-high-end-integrated-amps/?do=findComment&comment=1847641

Cheers George


kdude66
1,198 posts
 
Hello all,

I have over 500 hrs on my S-500 and thought I might comment a little about it.I think it's a step up in Sound vs nc400 and ref600m,these are the 3 class d amps that I own and I have access to more through a local audio club where we lend and or borrow equipment or occasionally listen to each other's systems.

I have been using a bel canto pre3 with all the diff. amps just to make a even playing field,the pre 3 is a pure water no coloration preamp.

The S-500 is the best class d amp I have had in my system and it has the warmest most engaging midrange with very sweet nicely extended top end that has more air and separation with the individual instruments making the entire frequency range very coherent.The bass is equally as good maybe better than my other class d amps listed.

I borrowed a Nuprime st10 to try out and found it too be a very close match to the S-500,with the nod to the S-500 for the best overall sound especially the midrange.

Offcourse this is in my system with my ears and judging the musical presentation that I prefer.

The next test will be comparison with a modwright kwa100se that I have owned for a few years but I haven't used it in about 3 years,I have loaned it out to club members though.I know it's a very good amp but can it equal or beat the S-500,only time will tell.

So many very good choices out there nowadays,


Kenny.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
kdude66
This S-500 Kenny your talking about, is this the Red Dragon?

https://www.reddragonaudio.com/products/s500?variant=969867425

Cheers George
kdude66
1,198 posts
 
George,

That is the one.

You probably would need 2 of them to pwr your big panels.


Best regards,

Kenny.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
kdude66George,

That is the one.
You probably would need 2 of them to pwr your big panels.




Though so! it uses the same Class-D modules as the Jeff Rowland Research Continuum 2, for much cheaper without the glitzy chassis.
500w into 4ohms would only need one for the ML’s bass units only.


http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/pics/jeff_rowland_continuum_2_large_inside.jpg

https://www.reddragonaudio.com/products/s500?variant=969867425

http://discosoundequipment.sell.everychina.com/p-99120690-professional-audio-disco-sound-equipment-class-d-modules-for-active-speakers.html

Anyone know the price of these Class-D modules? as I would like to power my bass with them which Class-D’s to me is good at. Couldn’t see them costing too much coming from China. $100-$200 maybe.

Cheers George






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