2. amps-preamps
  3. 142893-45726

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 16 responses by tweak1

tweak1
870 posts
 
 Fluoride in our (US) toothpaste is nasty, too. Feds have no problem feeding the health benefit bs line to us. Lol

Yes, but it is peddled as a benefit, whereas power consumption cannot be disputed
tweak1
870 posts
 
:((((

I should never have checked out this thread.

Reading Merrills' amp reviews/comments I am so disheartened that the commenters own amps (including Merrill's pre Element series) significantly more expensive than anything I can dream about being so much better. Even the AGD Vivacies (which also have outstanding reviews) are way out of reach 
tweak1
870 posts
 
I contacted Paul McGowan (PS Audio) about his Sellar dac/pre, and also asked whether they are playing with GaN. He said they haven't looked into it, yet. Hmmmm?  They would be the likely lowest price option
tweak1
870 posts
 
G and yet, YOU brought it back up hahahahahahahahaha
tweak1
870 posts
 
OP, why not start a new thread address AGDs concerns? 
tweak1
870 posts
 
celander, please provide a link to new topic
tweak1
870 posts
 
George, wasn't it you who told me when I had the Hattor XLR passive pre that it was a impedance mismatch with both my Emerald Physics, then later with my Audio Alchemy DPA-1?
tweak1
870 posts
 
C, where is that thread? I do not see a matching title?
tweak1
870 posts
 
Perhaps good news for GaN prices. I stumbled across this YT video from CES regarding GaN amp from CREE of all companies. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYHY_XKv5tY
tweak1
870 posts
 
The new Nord price is pounds, not USD

from what I've studied such amps benefit greatly from module isolation

Meaning, the expensive chassis is much more than a pretty face 
tweak1
870 posts
 
ric, yes! 

Now that I have my IC and coax and gone back to a WW Series 7 Eclipse PC (MSRP $300) I am truly amazed at the music that was hidden away in my Audio Alchemy stereo amp & dac/pre. So much better even in the bass, that I shut down my 2 SVS Ultra subs. And I finally scored a A PS 5 power supply for the dac/pre, but also got a heck of a deal on PS Audio 700s + stellar gaincell dac/pre. Who will win out? Time will tell
tweak1
870 posts
 
Being a little harsh there George
tweak1
870 posts
 
Not saying the VAs aren't good, or better, BUT...

The V A amps aren't XLR, using XLR jumpers on RCA inputs/outputs are a joke, no way to make a fair and honest evaluation

so how can one honestly compare, and did he/she have an agenda 
tweak1
870 posts
 
Ric, Ralph, anybody: can you explain the difference between Ice and Ice Edge modules?
tweak1
870 posts
 
I assume they are balanced as they are monos, but the picture I saw from the link, no XLR inputs?
tweak1
870 posts
 
ric, I offer you Tony Cordesman, who never reviewed a bad product,.. worthless reviewer for the consumer
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