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 pm’ed Lyngdorf via FB regarding this tech. The IMD figures strongly suggest a GaN-FET class D tech is in the amp. 
Post removed 

According to my well informed sources, Bruno Putzeys has left Hypex over two years ago. As such, I doubt very much that Putzeys latest design developed with Purifi relies on any Hypex/NCore patents.


Regards, G.



Bruno Putzeys has left Hypex

That's huge news, he was Hypex!!!
Sell while now for best dollar, because of new coming technology.??

I wonder, if Putzey will do something new using GaN now.


Cheers George 

George, Putzeys leaving Hypex was already known some two years ago.


Purifi.nl has currently no information about the new module design....I filled a form to be updated with any news. I have heard no clear indication one way or another on whether Purifi is utilizing any GaN transistors.... We will have to wait a spell.


G.