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
I can slam you, Ralph, if you are feeling hard done by.. jk..and then you can slam me.... and then everyone on some strange planet somewhere will be happy.
Yes- I don’t see anyone being slammed in the last 4 posts.
I think celandar’s maybe a latent cop



Let’s have a clam bake and all slam each other

https://nostalgiacentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/magiccircleclub2.jpg
Hmmm....
“Affordable Amp manufacturers will not "use" the raw GaN fet component, only the more esoteric $$$$$ ones may design their own modules, if they’re suicidal.”
really! celander, you call that slamming??? remember forest and trees sunshine.

If anyone takes the thread off the "GaN path" it’s you

Last 7 posts all non GaN related, which are directly referenced because of your "non GaN" related comment in the 1st one.

Cheers George
George, please order a GaN evaluation board amp module out of the Digikey Electronics catalog, assemble the amp and let us know how it sounds.