I have owned PS Audio GCC 250w amp since new (still in my TV system), several W4S amps; mono & multi-channel, Emerald Physics 100.2SE monos (much better with special fuses, but still bright). I was about to pull the trigger on a Nord Two (newest Ice tech) when I got a great deal on a Audio Alchemy Stereo amp, and a month later I replaced my Hattor XLR (impedance mismatch) with a AA Dac/Pre. The combination is revelatory. Don't believe me? Search The Absolute Sound March 2016 review. That COMBINATION produces a natural sound that defies its price point : The combination MSRP is a mere $4000, including a kickass dac
The Truth about Modern Class D
All my amps right now are Class D. ICEpower in the living room, and NAD D 3020 in the bedroom.
I’ve had several audiophiles come to my home and not one has ever said "Oh, that sounds like Class D."
Having said this, if I could afford them AND had the room, I’d be tempted to switch for a pair of Ayre monoblocks or Conrad Johnson Premiere 12s and very little else.
I’m not religious about Class D. They sound great for me, low power, easy to hide, but if a lot of cash and the need to upgrade ever hits me, I could be persuaded.
The point: Good modern Class D amps just sound like really good amplifiers, with the usual speaker/source matching issues.
You don’t have to go that route, but it’s time we shrugged off the myths and descriptions of Class D that come right out of the 1980’s.
I’ve had several audiophiles come to my home and not one has ever said "Oh, that sounds like Class D."
Having said this, if I could afford them AND had the room, I’d be tempted to switch for a pair of Ayre monoblocks or Conrad Johnson Premiere 12s and very little else.
I’m not religious about Class D. They sound great for me, low power, easy to hide, but if a lot of cash and the need to upgrade ever hits me, I could be persuaded.
The point: Good modern Class D amps just sound like really good amplifiers, with the usual speaker/source matching issues.
You don’t have to go that route, but it’s time we shrugged off the myths and descriptions of Class D that come right out of the 1980’s.