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
Ralph, is that $15k price tag for the CE mark a flat certification fee, or a fee cost applied to each amp?
Red Dragon makes it’s S-500 amp using the same Pascal/Sangway pro2 modules and sells them world wide for just $1k not $10k!!!

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/reddragon/3.html

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

Quote:
"Rowland integrated Continuum S2. Red Dragon’s S500 beats with the same heart in a less high-end chassis"

Cheers George
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Jeff Rowland nor Red Dragon include GaN-FET transistor tech, which is the topic of this thread. Please keep this thread clean and relevant. 

Cool it.
I’m making a comparison to what you said, re the $15k price tag for the CE mark and how this can;t be right, because those two use the same modules, just the chassis are different

Celander is correct,



* Rowland does not make use of GaN technology in any of its products.


* The Rowland Continuum S2 integrated sports original Pascal M-Pro2 modules. Rowland does not make use of counterfits.


G.