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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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georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 


Yep looks like GaN technology has infiltrated into car audio also and beat the competitors, the SoundDigital SD300.2
https://ibb.co/80x8L1C

Matt Hall, a very experienced sound quality competitor and audiophile, has done an amazing test with numerous high end amplifiers from different brands.

There were a total of 18 listeners, all unaffiliated with any audio equipment manufacturer.

We are proud to announce that the GAN made it to TIER 1, which was reserved only for the highest quality amplifiers, the ones that can be really used for Reference Level listening.

This is a direct quote from Matt’s review: "Describing how dimensionally accurate, transparent, and dynamic this lightweight amplifier is with profound adjectives seems disingenuous, but I assure you, I’m no charlatan. This amplifier is legit!"

To read the complete review, please click here: http://issuu.com/diogoianaconi/docs/amplifier_shootout

Soon we will be releasing information on the new GAN amplifiers. We will have a 2-channel and 4-channel version!

Cheers George
townshend-audio's avatar
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townshend-audio
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I would think the  Merrill Audio, with their model Element 118 ($36k per monoblock, 400 W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms), at the asking price should sound extraordinary good but for 2000 GBP you can own the remarkable sounding Nord Acoustics with the new REV D boards plus the added extra of choosing your choice of op amps depending on what sound suits your personal tastes or system better its called op amp rolling.
The sound of the Nord Acoustic amps is by far the best sounding amplifiers i have heard period and no i have no connection to Nord Acoustics they sell direct to the public.
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atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
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.
GaN transistors are still a bit more expensive. Class D amps have to meet RFI regulations and to certify that sort of thing (for example, to obtain the CE mark so it can be imported into Europe) can cost quite a lot- $15K for starters. So while the actual parts cost is low, there is a bit of overhead that does not exist for traditional amplifiers.
celander's avatar
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celander OP
1,036 posts
 
To my knowledge, the Nord Acoustics Class D products do not presently include GaN-FET transistors, which is the topic of this thread. There is another thread that specifically addresses Nord Class D products, to which I ask folks to post Nord-specific posts.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/which-class-d-amplifier-ps-audio-ghent-nord-merrill-or-other
celander's avatar
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celander OP
1,036 posts
 
Ralph, is that $15k price tag for the CE mark a flat certification fee, or a fee cost applied to each amp?
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