Hi dbphd,
I have a combo 2-ch/HT 5.1 surround system currently using 4 class D and 1 class A/B amps in a 23'L x 16'W x 8'H carpeted living room . All amps are directly connected to the amps from the outputs of an Oppo-105 (used as a 2-ch pre-amp, wireless DAC connected to a laptop and NAS for streaming CD and hi-res music files, 5.1 surround sound processor and Blu-ray player). Amps are:
D-Sonic M3-600-M class D mono-blocks that drive my main L+R mains (Magnepan 2.7qr) connected via XLR cables from the Oppo's front L+R mains outputs. 1,200 watts each into the 4 ohm Magnepans.
Emerald Physics EP-100.2-SE class D stereo amp bridged to mono that drives my center ch ( Magnepan CC-3) connected via RCA cable from the Oppo's center output. 275 bridged mono watts into the 4 ohm Magnepan.
ClassD Audio SDS-440SC class D stereo amp that drives a pair of rear surrounds(Infinity in-ceiling) connected via RCA cables from the Oppo's l+r rear surround outputs. 220 watts each into the 8 ohm Infinities.
Dayton Audio SA-1000 class A/B mono sub amp that drives 4 non-amplified Audio Kinesis subs.
I've used class A/B amps (Adcom initially and then McCormak and Aragon more recently) exclusively for the past 30+ years before substituting class D amps in the past few yrs. I've always left my amps on 24/7 and continue to do so with class D. I think my system performance has improved with the switch and my monthly electric bill has gone down by between $40-$50/ depending on the season.
I'm currently involved in another thread on audiogon discussing class D amplification. Many, including myself, prefer good quality class D amps but many also prefer class A, A/B, tube, G and even class H amps.
My opinion is that no amp type has a monopoly on good sound and that class D is not for everyone.
Thanks,
Tim