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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
rsa's avatar
rsa
98 posts
 
call me stupid but what do you mean by a "Output Filter" ? A L/C for you amp? Thanks, I am thinking about a Bel Canto but have never heard them.
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 

Hi RSA, you are safe with Bel Canto... Like Merrill Audio, Rowland, Theta, and D-Sonic, they are reported to make make wonderful amps. Several years ago I review the now withdrawn Bel Canto REF1000 Mk.2 monos for PFO.... Here is the article:


http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue43/bel_canto_ref1000.htm 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
call me stupid but what do you mean by a "Output Filter" ? A L/C for you amp? Thanks, I am thinking about a Bel Canto but have never heard them.
Class D amps usually have an L/C filter at their outputs to prevent radiation of their switching frequency.
seanheis1 OP
359 posts
 
call me stupid but what do you mean by a "Output Filter" ? A L/C for you amp? Thanks, I am thinking about a Bel Canto but have never heard them.
You might want to hear them first. They are not for everybody. Most people feel that they are incredibly clean sounding with great control of the bass. However, some people also feel that they sound lifeless in the midrange compared to high end linear amps. Of particular importance is the module that is being used. Of less importance is the brand name responsible for putting the module and power supply in the case and tweaking the input stage to create a house sound. Tube preamps can help with the lifeless sound, although some prefer that sound. Good luck.     
noble100's avatar
noble100
1,093 posts
 
     seanheis,

     I thought that anyone wanting to learn more about class D amplification may want to hear from the horse's mouth,inventor of UcD (Universal class D) and the much newer NCore class D devices Bruno Putzey,, from interviews he has given on the links below.    




http://ultraaudio.com/index.php/feat...audio-part-one

http://ultraaudio.com/index.php/feat...audio-part-two


     He discusses many interesting specifics about class D in a manner that is articulate and informative without needing to be an electrical engineer to understand.  I found his discussion of the feedback loop (" there is no such thing as too much feedback") and switching frequencies ("A reasonable switching frequency for a class D amplifier is just under 500khz") especially relevant to this thread's content thus far.

     Please read these attachments.

Thanks,
 Tim
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