GaN-based Class D power amps


The use of GaN-based power transistor tech is now emerging for Class D audio power amplifiers. Seems appropriate to devote a forum thread to this topic. At least 3 companies have commercial class D amps in their books:

Merrill Audio, with their model Element 118 ($36k per monoblock, 400 W into 8 ohms, 800W into 4 ohms), Element 116 ($22k per monoblock, 300 W into 8 ohms, 600W into 4 ohms) and Element 114 (coming soon). 
https://merrillaudio.net

Review of Element 118 at this link:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1018/Merrill_Audio_Element_118_Monoblock_Amplif...

ADG Productions, with their Vivace Class D amp ($15k per monoblock pair, 100W into 4 ohms). (The designer emailed me indicating he has another product in the pipeline.)
http://agdproduction.com
Review of the Vivace Class D moniblocks at this link (warning: link might not work (1/11/2019)):
https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/agd-production-vivace-gantube-monoblock-ampli...

Technics SE-R1 Class D stereo amp ($17k per stereo amp, 150WPC into 8 ohms, 300WPC into 4 ohms) 
https://www.technics.com/us/products/r1/se-r1.html
Preliminary review of the Technics SE-R1 at this link:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/technics-se-r1-digital-amplifier
Technics also has a lower priced GaN-based class D integrated amp in their catalog:
https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/stereo-integrated-amplifier-su-g700.html

Anyone listened to or own any of these amps?


celander
Post removed 
Post removed 
Mirrors have a way of showing bias and abuse toward members.

FWIW, Verastarr products use pure silver foil. Almost everyone understands Reynolds Wrap is an aluminum-based foil product.
For the more detail inclined minds this is a good 20 min read.
https://www.qorvo.com/design-hub/ebooks/gan-for-dummies#form

Note having the fastest car does not mean you automatically win the race. It is but a tool of many tools required to win the race. GaN transistors is not a guarantee of good sound but one of a lot of items that will get you there. 
merrillaudio
Having the fastest car does not mean you automatically win the race.
  GaN transistors is not a guarantee of good sound but one of a lot of items that will get you there.

Would you say that it's needed to get you there at the very front, and without it your just an also-ran? (for the time being)

Cheers George