GaN-based Class D power amps


The use of GaN-based power transistor tech is now emerging for Class D audio power amplifiers. Seems appropriate to devote a forum thread to this topic. At least 3 companies have commercial class D amps in their books:

Merrill Audio, with their model Element 118 ($36k per monoblock, 400 W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms), Element 116 ($22k per monoblock, 300 W into 8 ohms, 600W into 4 ohms) and Element 114 (coming soon). 
https://merrillaudio.net

Review of Element 118 at this link:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1018/Merrill_Audio_Element_118_Monoblock_Amplif...

ADG Productions, with their Vivace Class D amp ($15k per monoblock pair, 100W into 4 ohms). (The designer emailed me indicating he has another product in the pipeline.)
http://agdproduction.com
Review of the Vivace Class D moniblocks at this link (warning: link might not work (1/11/2019)):
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/agd-production-vivace-gantube-monoblock-ampli...

Technics SE-R1 Class D stereo amp ($17k per stereo amp, 150WPC into 8 ohms, 300WPC into 4 ohms) 
https://www.technics.com/us/products/r1/se-r1.html
Preliminary review of the Technics SE-R1 at this link:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-se-r1-digital-amplifier
Technics also has a lower priced GaN-based class D integrated amp in their catalog:
https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/stereo-integrated-amplifier-su-g700.html

Anyone listened to or own any of these amps?


128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xcelander
This is a newer technology, some are very using  with mosfets , there are a a lot of good digital out there . In my Amp Danish Gato Audio they use Pascal modules, which BTW Jeff Roland uses and make custom analog input,output sections .
That meet or beat most  Class AB amps out there. Times are changing very fast.
https://epc-co.com/epc/GalliumNitride/WhatisGaN.aspx

Just a clarification... There is no GaN-based technology in the Pascal modules used in Rowland amps.


Regards, Guido

 

If these new Class D amp have as little parts inside as the other types of Class D amps, I would  spend my money elsewhere.
There is no GaN-based technology in the Pascal modules used in Rowland amps.
No there isn’t.
Some of Rowland’s that use Pascal modules, started of from Sangway Class-D modules from China.
As can be seen here in the Rowland Contiuum 2, and the same module in these subwoofer plate amps.

Rowland Continuum 2
http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/pics/jeff_rowland_continuum_2_large_inside.jpg

Marani plate amp (upside down compared the above Rowland)
http://www.marani-proaudio.com/resizer/resize.php?url=public/PDA800P.png&size=1000x250
And in these also
http://www.marani-proaudio.com/resizer/picscache/800x600/73a9fee129dc4d9ca1c8b7ff5567931c.png
http://www.marani-proaudio.com/dettprodotti-PDA800P/95_60/eng/

Sangway Factory tour China.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZCxCg-QWDQ

Cheers George
Not saying Guido all Rowland's have Chinese Class-D modules in them, I've just found the Continuum 2 amp so far.
I've yet to go looking for other internal shots of Rowland models to see if they are, or are their own modules.

Cheers George