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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?


128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xcelander
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 


right now its a $15,000 entry fee to get into GaNs. To rich more most of us here.


This statement is incorrect and misleading, as the GaN equipped Technics SU-G30 is only $3999 rrp even cheaper with a haggle, and it’s a complete Network Integrated Amplifier also does MQA, if your into it.
https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class-g30/network-audio-amplifier-su-g30.html

Quote: "The musical reproduction offered by the Technics SU-G30 was among the best sound of any amplifier I have ever reviewed. It is ironic that the better digital gets, the closer it sounds to analog. Tubelike even. This is how I view the audio prowess of the Technics SU-G30 – it is like analog, super clean analog at that. My generalized listening impressions involved excellent purity of tone, a huge soundstage, amazing detail retrieval along with surprising excellence on streaming services."


Some reviews:
https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/integrated-amplifiers/technics-su-g30-network-audio-am...

https://www.richersounds.com/technics-stereo-amplifier.html

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
There is that esoteric hard to find 12 volt car amp that uses them.....I am trying to get info on it....seems like it sells for around $1200 but info is scarce

Also incorrect, it’s $750 and here’s some info,

https://somautomotivobrasil.com.br/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Manual_Sd300-2-GaN.pdf

https://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/car-audio-classifieds/344218-fs-soundigital-gan-300-2d-amplifie...

https://somautomotivobrasil.com.br/noticia/soundigital-sd300-2d-gan-o-1o-com-tecnologia-gan/

Looks like they were in Wallmart, but sold out.
https://www.walmart.com.br/modulo-soundigital-gan-power-sd300-2d-premium-2x150w-rms-4-ohms/4462483/p...


atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
What it says is that the Technics amp is not a class D amp......it is a digital amp. IE....it takes only a digital signal and then converts the PCM stream to PWM to drive the switching output stage. The "analog" input on the Technics amp goes through a 24/192 A2D converter to change it to PCM so it can then get converted to PWM.
'Digital amp' is a marketing term. The description above describes a class D amplifier with a digitally controlled front end.
twoch
186 posts
 
The Man Said,
 "Not to mention Class D is most efficient and runs cooler so you save on power bills"
   Sounds nice to many
people   But to me i want sound first  
then worry about Bills
and Heat 


rsf507
405 posts
 
@twoch +1
If you afford HEA you can afford electric bills.
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