2. amps-preamps
  3. 137918-20253

The Truth about Modern Class D

All my amps right now are Class D. ICEpower in the living room, and NAD D 3020 in the bedroom.

I’ve had several audiophiles come to my home and not one has ever said "Oh, that sounds like Class D."

Having said this, if I could afford them AND had the room, I’d be tempted to switch for a pair of Ayre monoblocks or Conrad Johnson Premiere 12s and very little else.

I’m not religious about Class D. They sound great for me, low power, easy to hide, but if a lot of cash and the need to upgrade ever hits me, I could be persuaded.

The point: Good modern Class D amps just sound like really good amplifiers, with the usual speaker/source matching issues.

You don’t have to go that route, but it’s time we shrugged off the myths and descriptions of Class D that come right out of the 1980’s.
erik_squires
illuminator
57 posts
 

Stereo5,

Have you ever listened to a Spectron Musician III Mk2?

erik_squires OP
5,268 posts
 
@stereo5 Then consider me one of the lucky one’s.

Sighted or blind, I cannot hear a difference between them an Parasound A23s. None. Zero. Nada.

So, since it is my wallet and tastes that pay those bills, I’d rather go with the more energy efficient one.

And in fact I prefer the sound far over and above the sound of Pass. Same for Parasound vs. Pass. :)

But it isn’t because of anything I can hear as "class D sound."

You don't have to like a particular amp, but I think being dismissive of them as a class is short sighted. 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
You don’t have to go that route, but it’s time we shrugged off the myths and descriptions of Class D that come right out of the 1980’s.
Make that 1990s....

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
First of all, I was giving my opinion and experiences with Class D and found it’s not for me, period.  I am ecstatic with my McIntosh amp, pre and integrated and they are the keepers for me.  As far as being short sited, since I am not considering any more purchases, it really does not matter.  I have heard 5 or 6 different Class D amps and have not liked any of them, so why would I continue to seek them out?   Perhaps you should of mentioned in your original post not to comment if you aren’t a fan of Class D, then I wouldn’t have bothered.  Sorry I burst your bubble.  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
There are listeners who like Eric will hear no difference between class D and non class D amplifiers.   Other listeners such as stereo5 can and do hear distinct differences. Both groups are valid.
Charles 
More to discover