The Future of Audio Amplification

Really Mikey? That's why Pass has no problem shipping big XA series amps that keep him comfortably house on the coast of CA? Unlike you. That's why it's becoming a viable venture for some to develop tubes again? Like the one Korg came out with a little while ago? Like the guys starting to make newer and improved versions of the typical types? That's why you can buy tube buffers and tube headphone amps all over the place? That's why the really top end amps are NOT class D amps, right? 

I could just as truthfully say that the only people who buy hifi stereos are fools or those with some quirky nostalgia. Everyone else is going with soundbars with DSP and bluetooth speakers... with class D amps!!! Unlike your statement, mine has been the trend for several years now. I don't think yours will ever be the trend except in those places where the government mandates it, which is really the only reason that technology is being pursued in hifi. 

kosst_amojan1,814 posts12-02-2018 11:56pm
 Class D isn't considered by anybody to be a superior way to amplify sound. 

"anybody"? What must they be thinking over at Jeff Rowland Design Group. 

My $1300 switching amplifier mono-block kits mounted on some rock maple easily replaced a few highly regarded linear solid state amplifiers. The last one at almost seven times the price. My studio monitor system is not about listening to music its about hearing what I've recorded.

By comparison the linear amps were slightly colored and would sound congested the more they were pushed despite their higher power ratings. The switchers are plate glass transparent and provide a welcome forward presentation that clearly conveys microphone positioning in the small highly treated studio. Absolutly superior.

Its been well over a decade since a linear amp powered any of my subwoofers. Even my little Acoustic Image Focus 2R Bass amplifier is a three pound switcher that gets my Upshot speaker, amp, and Fiddle out the door hand held in one trip.

Class D is not out to replace anything its about the right tool for the job. A third choice. Jeez.      

kosst, why do you get so emotional when someone disagrees with your position? You’re obviously a knowledgable guy and such abrupt bursts of emotions mixed with anger shadows the technical inputs.
These A vs. D amp discussions never end well, just like passive vs. active preamps, cables, fuses, etc. Its best to read technical journals and articles from unbiased reputable sources.

My currently owned..and loved..Merrill Audio Veritas monoblocks [class D] have thoroughly spanked both my previously owned Edge NL 10 and Music Reference RM 9 MKII tube amp. And I mean... s-p-a-n-k-e-d !!! 

I plan on a future upgrade to Merrill's new Element 114 monos as soon as they become available... Merrill's new proprietary design using the  gallium nitride transistors as a launch point will lay to rest the silly notion of class d amps being inferior to any other design...can't wait. 

 

@mapman 

What does anything I said have to do with what I've heard? I was just roughly explaining the technology to a guy who asked a question.

Hmm well you did kinda put a pretty negative spin on that technical explanation I would say.