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The Future of Audio Amplification

I have recently paired an Audio Research DS225 Class D amplifier with an Audio Research tube preamplifier (SP8 mkii). I cannot believe how wonderful and lifelike my music sounds. The DS225 replaced an Audio Research SD135 Class AB amplifier. Perhaps the SD135 is just not as good as some of the better quality amps that are out there, but it got me thinking that amazingly wonderful sonance can be achieved with a tubed pre and Class D amp. I have a hunch that as more people experience this combination, it will likely catch on and become the future path of many, if not most audiophile systems. It is interesting that Audio Research has been at the forefront of this development.
distortions
kosst_amojan
2,095 posts
 
@erik_squires 

Go to Stereophile and look at the last 5 or 6 class D amps they've measured. Unless JA applies a low pass filter on the AP the output signals look horrendous. Even with the low pass filter, they all have ringing. I was just looking at the Below Canto Black and that thing isn't horrible, but .05% of garbage distortion at 200mW!?!?!? That's ridiculous. 

It's pretty widely accepted that ,01% is where most people start hearing distortion characteristics; most definitely if it's high order. Low order characteristics in the .0X range large defiine the sound of an amp. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
erik_squires
 Which measurements, @kosst_amogan for which specific Class D amplifier?
make up your mind your making everyone dizzy.
One day you put s**t on anyone that presents measured proof, the next day your quoting or asking for measurements, ya can't have it both ways sunshine.
matiasreccius's avatar
matiasreccius
12 posts
 
Here are measurements of Hypex nCore NC400 DIY kit made with an Audio Precision state of the art, and they are very good looking in the audio band.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-hypex-nc400-di...

The switching frequency is at 450kHz, no tweeter could possibly reproduce that... Not that anyone would hear it, not even dogs.
mr_m
1,087 posts
 
Kosst,
Honestly, and truly have you ever sat down and listened at length to ANY Class D amp? Specifically one in your own system? Set in the listening position and show me or more specifically tell me you hear the ringing distortion or switching for that matter that you hear in Class D amps. Although it might be harder than you think with your choice of loudspeakers......
ricevs
190 posts
 

As good as the NC400 module measures it does not sound as good as the slightly less good measuring IceEdge 1200 module.  And this is with the output caps in the NC400 changed to much better sounding modded and correctly oriented Wima caps versus a completely stock IceEdge.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154910.500 

See post # 509

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