Class D Technology


So I get the obvious strengths of Class D. Efficiency, power output & running cool which allows for small form factors. I also understand the weaknesses somewhat. 1. Non-linear & lots of distortion that needs to be cleaned up with an output filter. 
So my question is, if it weren't for efficiency & power, would there be any reason to own a Class D amp? Do they beat Class A in any other categories that count for sound quality?  
seanheis1
Speaker cables would be a very poor antenna.  Since wavelength of 500kHz switching frequency is 600m a typical 2m cables would be 1/300 wavelength antenna.  Usually antenna becomes rapidly ineffective below 1/10 of the wavelength.
That's true, but in order to meet EU directives, UL and a host of others, the speaker cables are effective enough that the issue has to be addressed by any classD amp producer. In fact it is speaker cables that are mentioned when the issue of HF radiation is brought up in the design papers.

However, its so easy to address that I regard it as a non-issue. As I do the switching noise of SMPSs. The only reason we don't use the latter in our OTLs is the cost of custom SMPSs- its a lot cheaper to use traditional supplies!

Hi seanheis1, as far as I know, preamplifiers cannot be implemented in class D... I have been told that their topology is the equivalent of class A. However, Preamps with regulated SMPS do exist... ANd the ones I have listened to are rather wonderful: e.g. Rowland Corus and Criterion, Rowland Capri and Capri S2, and the preamplifier section in the Continuum S2 integrated.


G.

WOops... You are correct George: Theta Prometheus is indeed based on full NCore1200, not on the lower end NC500 module... My bad!!!!


G. 

Maybe we will start seeing Class D preamps then...

Perhaps.  Delta-Sigma D/A, A/D converters, SACD and DSD are already class D.
NCore1200, not on the lower end NC500 module... My bad!!!!
The NC500 is their newest most advanced module not mentioned anywhere on their site, avalible only to selected few, and is in the BelCanto Ref 600 monos, but BelCanto used their own filters instead of what comes with it.

Cheers George