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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?


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stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
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.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
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     
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 

George, please do not contaminate this perfectly good thread dedicated to GaN technology with your irrelevant paperholic conspiracy theories... I invite you to move post material that have nothing to do with GaN to one of the other class D threads.... Best would be the Future Of Amplification thread. 


Regards, G.



ricred1
1,412 posts
 
G.,
Despite owning several JR components I do think George is trying to make a good point. With so few parts, what justifies the high cost of some Class D amplifiers, including the JR Continuum S2? I understand R&D, overhead, and profit, but more and more the cost of Audio is getting crazy.
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