Class D is just Dandy!

　

You are right @stfoth, some 10 years ago, most class D amplifiers that I listen to sounded either hi-fiish -- like a Technics stereo of the early 1980s, or darkling, or hazy, or even outright screetchy... Yet, even some 10 years ago, some class D amps were already making real music... I fell totally in love and adopted one of the few class D amps which made real music without compromises: The Rowland M312 stereo.

　

Today the class D field is very different. While you might still find the occasional screetch owl out there, most class D amps seem to be making real music, and more than a few are exceptional music makers. In general, you cannot go wrong with amps based on NCore NC1200 or Pascal M-Pro2 modules.

　

George, Bel Canto M600 is a relatively entry level monoblock amp. Using the scaled down NC500 NCore module, They were conceived to fulfill price point of a price sensitive segment of the market. At $5K/pair, They are not an attempt to scale the summit of absolute performance levels of amps based on the full NC1200 modules or Pascal M-Pro2 and X-Pro2 modules.

　

Hi Lalitk, the Rowland M725 monos are based on a class A/B topology. You might have meant the M825 stereo instead, which like M925, sports NC1200 modules.

　

Regards, G.

But any speaker manufacturer worth his salt will tell you that doubling up on low order high power filters at or around the same area has it own set of problems with ringing ect.

While this is true, this does not translate to the filters used in a class D amp, which is operating well outside of the audio band. The filter on a class D amp is blocking the switching noise of the amp and nothing more; it does not pay to have that filter go any lower than need be on order to be effective.

If the amplifier is switching fast enough, the internal inductance of the speaker itself is often enough to block the switching noise.

Pokey--don't know what "specs" you are talking about.  That was solely based on listening.

Anyway, class D is all over the place, probably in the TVs, the music at the local bar, some powered speakers, etc.

I don't notice the odd effect in the class D amp in my sub.  Seems to work just fine, there.  Like after a kid touches a hot stove, just avoided them for consideration as a primary amp, for the past decade.  A lot of folks really liked them, then, too. 

Just seemed to me that there's a harder line between class-d lovers and haters than with some other products.  So, that and my ten-year-old story led to what I thought was a legit question.  Whether there is something about class-D or some sonic effect that some folks can hear and others can't, whether knowingly or not, beyond just good or bad hearing.  Like--DLP TV, asparagus pee, tongue rolling, soapy cilantro, etc.  Most people thought I was trippin' out with the DLP thing, and I suspect some folks who like class-d think the folks who sense this effect are nuts, too.

Love tubes, but, damn, they are killing me in the small rooms when it's 108 degrees out, and the AC vent can't keep up.  Might be time to give a serious listen to some newer class d.  If this "effect" has been remedied, or if I was just imagining it all, maybe a summer amp?

Interesting and informative thread.

You should get your facts right. It’s not N-Force, it’s NCore

Really!! I stand corrected.

And there is no modification to NC-500 module itself.

We were told different by the importer/demonstrator, unless he had it wrong.

Why should various amps based on circuit boards of the same technology (NCore) and made by the same company (Hypex) sound different?

I wonder, could it have to do with what the demonstrator told us???

Cheers George

If this "effect" has been remedied, or if I was just imagining it all, maybe a summer amp?

Design plays a huge role! Some amps are not very involving and some are.

Some class D amps employ Delta-Sigma processing, some are simple Delta, some are self-oscillating (the latter require loop feedback to operate correctly, the former two can operate with zero feedback with careful design).

Scan frequencies can cover a wide range. Some have dynamically variable scan frequencies. Some amps employ op-amp input circuitry for the audio, others are discreet and its even possible to have passive input circuits.

So with all these variants you just have to try one out and see if it works for you.