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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
tweak1
870 posts
 
ric, yes! 

Now that I have my IC and coax and gone back to a WW Series 7 Eclipse PC (MSRP $300) I am truly amazed at the music that was hidden away in my Audio Alchemy stereo amp & dac/pre. So much better even in the bass, that I shut down my 2 SVS Ultra subs. And I finally scored a A PS 5 power supply for the dac/pre, but also got a heck of a deal on PS Audio 700s + stellar gaincell dac/pre. Who will win out? Time will tell
celander's avatar
celander OP
1,036 posts
 
Ricevs, Did you even read his OP?

He said, “I have had the Merrill Audio Veritas since January 2014 and have definitely enjoyed owning them.”

So the reader is led to believe all of his comments about the Element 116 is in reference to the Veritas he used previously.
ricevs
190 posts
 

So correct, I read it real fast and assumed he meant he had the new amps since maybe January of this year. However, this review is still not helpful as the Veritas is nothing more than a stock Ncore module and has been beaten by many new cheaper amps (class D and class A/B....do some research). There are already at least 3 other reviews comparing the Veritas to the Element 116. Nothing new here and still no comparisons against other brands.

How are we going to know anything about these new amps if all we get is reviews of them versus old outdated Merrill amps.

You can borrow or buy with 30 day return many amps.  There is no reason to just buy the latest almost twice as expensive product from the same manufacturer when things are changing so fast.  There are so many possibilities.  Another possible really good class D amp is the latest one form DAC (Cherry amps).  They have a new Megachino 2 that has 150K bandwidth and linear supply, DC coupled with patented technology.....his very latest one just now released.  Basic stereo version is $6100.  You could buy this amp, the $8000 Nuprimes and compare to your Element 116s (that you borrowed or have the ability to return)........now this would be interesting.  Are we just lazy?  Don't you really want to know if there is anything less than $22,000 that might be better?



rob181
2 posts
 
Why compare them to other Class D amps - who cares - compare them to the best main stream products in the same price range - regardless of "Class" - now that is what I am interested in.
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