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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
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 
guidocorona
4,114 posts
 

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.




   

nutella
192 posts
 
In conversation w/ Bruno Putzeys of Kii Audio @ Hifi Deluxe 2018 - YouTube

Very interesting listening to this man explain his work.  
worldwidewholesales
87 posts
 

Hi Celander,

Original question was "Anyone listened to or own any of these amps" and I believe I answered that question. We don't post the results because we do not want to get into disagreements with people that have not done the exact same A/B testing or people that just come on these forums to argue.

What we do is fun and we are not here to pump manufactures up or put them down.

Cheers,

celander's avatar
celander OP
1,036 posts
 
Why not be helpful rather than simply answering the question in the affirmative?
Helpful means listing the GaN-FET class D amps, the components of the six different systems in which your group of buddies have tested them, and the cables. That is a starting basis. If you don’t want to contribute your listening impressions, then that is your prerogative. And nobody is asking you to endorse or demean any manufacturer. (I am not sure where you read that into my OP.)
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