On the topic of solid state, what about Class D?

I've seeing been seeing Orchard Audio with gallium arsenide output transistors pop up on quite a few audio sites I frequent. Although really I think it's from the relentless self-promotion of the designer.

Regardless, it seems to have some recognition from The Absolute Sound now. Has anyone else tried these? He has dual-mono amps for >$1000 but also offers the modules at a price comparable to the nc400

 

1000$ for class d was pricy a couple years ago for class d.

but now I see amps asking 3000$ for class D module. is that a joke? You can get almost a used TOTL tube amp for or a full class A pass lab used for 3000$.

the whole point for class d is cost saving. now "audiophile" brands will try to sell more and more cheap modules in fancy cases.

 

^That's true. At this price point I would rather go with a Schiit Vidar dual mono.

At least with Schiit I know where the money is going.

 

$3000 plus for Class D (Tripath based) more than a decade ago got me sound that could be as good as a class ab at the same price. I have owned lots of amps over the years and my old Bel Canto EVO 4 was one of the best sounding that I had the pleasure of owning. And yes, I have owned some big hot, tube monoblocks, not close in SQ, although they were fun. Also got extended loan of my friends First Watt build, now that was really close and better in some ways

Agree about the fancy case stuff. Rowland comes to mind, really pretty poor on the value and absolute scale. Friends built Pascal based amps like the early Rowlands and they sounded dreadful in my setup. They liked them although the owner liked his trusty class A Rowland more, but his new speakers needed more juice.

For those with deep pockets try to get your ears on some Clayton amps or closer to earth some Belles. NOTE: Neither are class d, btw.

 

I disagree with this. I view class D as a means to higher power output without the need for ridiculous waste heat. Just because it *can* be done super cheap doesn't mean the entire category is cheap.

As for certain brands who slap cheap modules into fancy casework, well, those kind of shenanigans have been going on well before class D was even a thing. If anything, it's more the market finally catching up to audiophile norms. I mean, just look at our kilobuck headphones these days with drivers that certainly don't cost 30% of the sale price.

 

No, the point of Class D is clean amplification without heating up the house.

 

But then the house will be cold....

 

Not really: class d was a advantage for 2 things: cost of production and electricity bills. the point of class d initially was to get 500 WPC without any heat or electricity bill. Then, some "hifi" usage became possible with low power "T" amps TDA2020 then TPA3116? iirc. Those are interesting at low price often seen in DIY (amps cost less then 300$). But now I see Class D amps price at 3k even 5k? Sorry but this is simply laughable

for 100 wpc or less, class ab is much superior. For under 25 wpc, class A wins.

Class d doesnt belong in a hifi setup no matter how much BS marketing they try to spin it

how many class d amp did you try in your setup?

 

My NAD C298 demonstrates otherwise.

 

Go on.

 

Did you compare the Nad to any high power tube amps?
Or any SS amps like Luxman, Accuphase, Pass labs class A ?

 

Feedback for the LSA Discovery Warp One has been pretty positive on SBAF. Perhaps join the loaner tour and confirm whether you still feel the same way.

 

No. I'm interested in unmodified amplification, and I live in a hot climate. Plus the NAD was only $2k.

I've certainly listened to many tube amps and high-powered solid-state amplifiers over the years; I'veowned several high-powered SS amps including the SAE Mk IIIC. Family members have owned McIntosh and Marantz. None has sounded cleaner, more dynamic or more open than the C298. Just a delight. Then again, amplifiers and DACs don't seem to me to have much overall impact on sound quality, assuming the amp is powerful enough to drive the speakers without clipping.

 

That's neat. In fact, quite tidy.

 

not surprised

 

I have a hifi system so I can listen to music. Not the other way round. I fully appreciate that many people here have a different perspective, and that's all good.

 

you should have tried a decent chip amp. after comparigng many class d vs chip amps, for some reason i find chip amps is simply superior. Class d can sound decent imo, just never give 100% experience of the best amps/speaker combo's.

maybe my point was not clear. Class D is in NO way superior then Chip-amps and so the only raise in price of class d I can explain is BIG marketing.


tbh, I never heard a good speaker that needs 300 WPC to sound alive. Tube amps are for low power, if you compared 300 WPC class d vs 300 WPC tube amps, not surprised you prefer class d. High power tube amps sucks: the tube need for high power sucks and the complexity of those amps destroy the entire point of tube amps

hope this make my opinion more intelligeble!

 

I've scheduled a trip to the Dark Side with this Class D amp to drive a recently acquired set of KEF R3's...

https://nadelectronics.com/product/m23-stereo-power-amplifier/

It is going in a new downsized "age in place" home I am building, so for a while yet it is warehoused in my workshop as I run wire. pour concrete, drive nails, and care for a very ill wife. Hope you all are well. I don't get out much these days. best - Lee

 

I hope the wife gets better

 

Not a common outcome with hospice, but I appreciate the kind thoughts for her. Really do. - Lee