"D" amps, general discussion who's 1 and why?

I talk to customers daily and generally speaking those most critical of Class D amps have never heard a good example. Some have and that's fine; at least they've given a listen.

Many are skeptical and unwilling to accept new technology when in fact a Class D amp would suit their requirement remarkably well.

Go figure.

Personally, I prefer SET. However, the number of speakers properly driven by SET amps make up only a small percentage of available products.

Dealer disclaimer.

Tweak1 hit on the head. Anyone venturing into class D have to rethink their system strategy. Class D transmits everything in your chain including gremlins emitted by your cords you don't even know are there before.

Same goes for digital sources. I have proven oversampling and upsampling are injurious to the signal. This, again, will not be so evident in conventional systems. Only in class D and fine SET systems do this truth bare out. Although the non-digital filter loaded DACs are few, the rewards using them is simply mind boggling.

When I said "cheap" what I meant was that on a watt/$ basis compared to most tube amps, and SETs in particular, you get more power for your money with Class D amps. The point being that they can be used with a wide variety of speakers vs. SETs, a point raised above.

I've heard several class D amps, including the Rowlands and NuForce at shows, but none at home. Nothing I've heard yet has tempted me to audition one at home. Perhaps that will change as the technology evolves.

I am not surprised to see many recommendations for Spectron, as that seems to be the one that's got the most buzz here and elsewhere. Looking forward to hearing it. Cheers,

Spencer

No deHavilland lover is going to like Spectron, nor vice versa, so save your time Spencer.

Dave

Class D amps, I remember way back in the 80's when I had a pair of IRS Infinities top of the line speakers and these were the amp design and provided with the speakers to actually drive the base tower units, this technology seems to date back some time now.

I did some listening evaluations about a year ago with Bel Canto 1000's, Jeff Rowland 501's and Nuforce mono blocks, forget the model number now but found they all did nice things but to me just were no musical enough or involving compared to mosfet design but from all the "buzz" "D" amps all seem to be improving and evolving. The threads I constantly read about Spectron specifically more so than others, allot of actual tube owners going with this product. There seems to be only a handful of Jeff Rowland in comparison and when you read what they have compared to it just does not seem to be in comparison.

Audiofeil, you being a dealer who gets to dabble with different pieces and you mentioned your preference is SET so what's your take on them?
What product do you believe to be on top of the class "D" food chain list and why.

I have spoken to a few and they have mentioned to me saying I should have another listen to Bel Canto for example. I'm still looking forward to hearing Spectron mono blocks but just can not get arround my head dropping the type of money they are asking for them mainly due to the fact of my past memories and experience of the other class "D" product I had bought and being far from satisfied and at only a fraction of the price. Spectron did offer a 30 day trial not sure if they do anymore but anyone knowing class "D" product and the break-in time is very long so that just doesn't work.