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?


celander

Showing 1 response by 2channel8

1)  The Man Said,
 "Not to mention Class D is most efficient and runs cooler so you save on power bills" Can you save on your heating bill with Class A? (just kidding)
2) I wonder if some of these effete HEA manufacturers use price as as way to convey quality rather than cost of production. I can't imagine some manufacturers pricing a monoblock  at $1999 even if they could easily make a profit. It would put them among the unwashed lower classes and damage their image. But maybe I'm getting too cynical. 
3) I used to buy radiology equipment for hospitals. Anything I spent $35,000 for would have way more components, more expensive components and involve way more labor and R&D than could possibly be put into any amp. They are sold to a very limited market and have to be FDA approved, which costs many times more than RFI certification. But maybe I'm too cynical.
4th and most relevant) I am a big fan of Class D and fervently hope that I will have the opportunity to hear a GaN based Class D product that I can afford soon.