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
$1,400 Digikey EPC evaluation board, keep in mind what you are paying for:
PCB’s stuffed with mostly non-premium parts

Really!!!!!

I see nothing but premium parts! And I wouldn't expect anything else from a companies eval board.

https://www.scribd.com/document/398286093/EPC9106BOM-1

https://www.digikey.com.au/product-detail/en/epc/EPC9106/917-1090-ND/5036827?cur=USD&lang=en

Hello Celander, the Vivace's home page does not seem to list input impedance.... Perhaps Alberto Guerra can chime in on the subject.


Saluti, Guido


  

Enjoy the board then. I’ve got higher standards.

Please list all the item no.’s in the BOM list I posted that you or someone else would improve on, and with what and why?
https://www.scribd.com/document/398286093/EPC9106BOM-1


Cheers George