Every time something changed in audio and I ran out and purchased, I would go broke! I'll stick to what I have thank you! Thanks for the info Gene, I'll keep it in mind just in case one of my amps kick the bucket. 👍✌️☝️

Gene, you've given me a stroke of genius, as I'm a hundred miles north of Toronto, up here in Canada, I'll get the Pass Labs and tell the wife it's an electric heater for my listening room! That way I can blast Mahler and not freeze to death like I do each winter up here in 17 feet of ice.... in July yet. I am going to look at that NAD tho

@kx8960

Жыл бұрын

Great idea, Eh?🤣

@abdullahkawser8480

Жыл бұрын

Ahahhahaah

Hi Gene. Great topic. I have embraced class D and have a few pairs of Class D amps that sound great. I sold my big Bryston 28B3 monoblock amps. I’m not getting any younger and heavy class AB amps are just a pain (literally) to move in and out of my rig. Now I do have some tube gear. But that is a separate beast entirely. But as for solid state, class D has arrived.

Very Interesting!!!! An eye opener! Been an audiophile for 60years. I remember going to the McIntosh amplifier clinic (in the tube days) with my tube amplifier (Bell 2200C) to get it tested. I did buy a Class D power amp years ago. It was trash. I also was aware that there has been continuous R & D work in that area. It's nice to know that Class D has come of age. The results you show are startling. Kudos to you for the testing. Keep it up the great work.

@Artcore103

Жыл бұрын

we've had this (ultra high quality class D and class T) for 10+ years but we welcome you to the club. it can also be had for 1/10 the price of the amp he shows here.

@eubikedude

Жыл бұрын

Also check out AudioScienceReview, they have measurements/reviews of lots of them. The size and (low) price of some is amazing. Unless you want a piece of art to look at, there is now no need for large boxes/high prices.

@eubikedude

Жыл бұрын

@@Artcore103 👍

Excellent comparison. Makes me want to study more. I was just thinking about building Amp Camp designed by Nelson pass and I run into this. Serendipitous! Would love to see you review Starkrimson Ultra class D modules.

Was always a Yamaha old fashioned amp man using the likes of P2200, PC2002m and MX-1 to power the NS-1000Ms but the new SMSL SA400 matches the old amps I have pound for pound at one fourth the size. I am thoroughly impressed and for me, its a keeper. Thank you, Gene, for discussing this topic.

I used to be a class D naysayers until I heard the Bel Canto Ref600M class D monoblocks on my big Psb Imagine T3 towers. I couldn't believe how they brought my speakers to a whole different level with absolutely NO audible distortion! The use the Hypex Ncore module. Class D is going to be the new norm as many amplifier manufacturers are coming out with class D amplifiers.

@ajzepp8976

Жыл бұрын

I have a pair of those beauties. Youre exactly right...they are phenomenal.

@Justwantahover

Жыл бұрын

There is one class D power amp called the Starkesound and it's supposed to sound a bit like tubes.

@samitch61

Жыл бұрын

@@ajzepp8976 They are excellent amplifiers and very powerful!

@ajzepp8976

Жыл бұрын

@@samitch61 A buddy if mine is a high end audio dealer, and initially I had bought a pair of Gold Note monoblocks. My Magnepans ate them alive, which surprised me. I sent them back, and he happened to mention he had a demo pair of 600m monos for a bit more. Hooked them up, and wow...beautiful pairing with the Maggies. Like you said, plenty of power, and really brought them to life. Hope to have them for years to come, bc i surely cant afford to replace them lol

@theoracleprodigy

Жыл бұрын

Play the birthday massacre, their latest released song... I'd almost 💯 guarantee it will distort. Crazy thing it won't distort on class a/b.

I played bass for a band some 30 years ago. My amp was tubed, and weighted in at probably 60 pounds. I picked up the bass again several years ago, and I bought an amp that is 800 watts, the size of a 1,000 page book, and weighs 8 pounds. it sounds good. I can carry it in a small bag.The difference in weight, size and power are stellar. It has a tubed and a solid state input, which can be blended.

@gregbailer8701

4 ай бұрын

70s-80s Bass player also. Sounds like an SVT. I have (2) Crown A/B pro amps and an 8-10 SWR Workingman with 2-18 PA bass cabs as a stage rig. Bi-amped setup. Have looked at all the newer class D heads and am amazed at the size/weight. Many jobs today would not allow the old-school Bass Wall. Some are in-ear only. However, my Crown A/B still packs 450W @ 4 ohms with .5% THD. I cannot find a class D amp for a home stereo that comes close without DOUBLE+ the THD numbers. My audiophile KZread adversaries are all about Op amp rolling and external linear power supply upgrades just to boost the performance of $150 Class D 2-channel amps. Extra items bring the price up to the $500 range. My pro gear is from the 80s and 90s and STILL performs without missing a beat. Not ready to give up my muscle car just yet. And I mean my Camaro. LOL!

My front speakers are powered by a class D Hypex-based monoblocks, and I'm very satisfied by the SQ as well as the very low heat they produce even after many hours of high SPL listening. As Gene said, the era of the class D is here to stay!

Great review. I use a few speakers that are highly regarded in audiophile circles and are reasonably costly and I currently use Hypex 1200 based mono blocks amplifiers. Now looking a AGD productions amplifiers which are also class D.

I have built my own subwoofers. but since I wanted a lot of power I decided to go with Crown to power four 10 inch subs. along with Yamaha RX-A6A. I configure the speakers to work at a 4-ohm load coming from the crown with a converter box (balanced connection) I connected my sub out to the converter box.(even though I have XLR outputs from my Yamaha. I'm getting 1100 watts. undistorted. I would love to hear your opinion on the Crown XLS series amp. Thank you, Gene,

I would say that in the lower segments the difference is even more profound. Take something like the Sonos Amp: a tiny integrated streaming amp with 2x125W DDFA power. That thing sounds great, drives low impedance loads, and basically puts every AB amplifier that costs twice as much to shame. The same goes for NAD amplifiers with Hypex' "low-end" UcD modules. It's simply amazing.

I moved away from room heaters long ago. My first non A/AB/Tube was a PS Audio GCC 250, which I purchased new when they first introduced it, and still serves wonderfully in my TV system. Having owned probably 8-10 class Ds since then, GaN amps has changed the game. My LSA Voyager GaN 350 @ $3000 MSRP is an absolute steal

Definitely agree. Just tried an smps driven tpa3255 putting out 80W RMS at less than 200 bucks and I don't miss my 25W class A at all. With DSP tone controls via remote I get even tighter bass and open highs, dead silent too. I tried using an LPS on it and I found the smps had a speed edge. Didn't expect that. I'm convinced we're seeing the transition to greener amps without any sonic cost. Power guzzling behemoths will start to fade away. Makes no sense unless you have a visual fixation for big stuff. Good luck on your back and your wallet.

Hey Gene. I finally made the step from a Marantz SR7013 to a NAD T 778. It would be interesting if you get the same findings with one of these although I know they've been out a couple of years now. I can understand why some may find the sound, maybe, a little offensive, a lack of warmth, although that can be dialled back in with Dirac target curves for a bit of personal signature. I've had very little listening time so far, it's very different to the sound I'm used to (Arcam, Marantz). As I get more familiar with it, the transparency, instrument separation and depth is really nice, and my room is really bad! Anyways, getting the NAD was part of my venture to minimise the amount of energy our home is taking from the grid and there's a lot more coming. Hope you're doing well and keep this amazing content coming, it's really useful and so good!

@Artcore103

Жыл бұрын

yes it can be odd to hear an output as intended when one is used to a certain pleasant distortion. you'll get quite used to it friend. and a little high quality DSP EQ (or dirac) never hurt anybody - that is subjective! but you want your preferred EQ to come from just that - an EQ, NOT from an amp's inherent design. you now have a superior base to start from, and the speed and transparency you notice are the proof of that. the only downside is that lesser quality source material doesn't come across as well because it's not as forgiving and doesn't have as much of a smoothing effect. this can be partially corrected for by EQ, but it is what it is. also give your amp some break in time. sometimes the break in concept is BS, or the number of hours one says is required can be BS, but that depends on the equipment. the digital heart of your amp needs no break in... but the thing still has caps and mosfets etc. and I have seen class T amps (subset of D) smooth out a bit in the treble. play some loud white noise when you're away from the house or just a bass tone. it needs some juice running through it no 1 watt crap, heat it up.

Thanks for breaking it down Gene. I have long been victim to the 'magical thinking' that bigger, hotter, more energy wasteful parts somehow must sound better because, well, they cost more and use more 'juice' right? Thats just not how sound works lol. Also, I think speakers are more than 80% of what you hear and you should spend around that as a portion of your system budget

Dr. McCoy: Linear amps are dead Jim. Captain Kirk: Bones... Bones it wasn't your fault. Dr. McCoy: Damn it Jim! I'm just a country doctor. Mr. Spock: We already knew that doctor. Linear amps are simply too inefficient Captain. Perhaps Mr. Scott can improve their efficiency. Scotty: Captain! I can't change the laws of physics!

Nice review - wish I could try out the NAD! My master's thesis in 1982 was a 2-channel, 100 w/ch audio amplifier: DC to 20KHz with under .01% THD. It was a pure analog design (yes - nothing was digitized) What took everyone else so long!!! Load dependency was indeed an issue with my design. I would be interested in the transient and phase response of the NAD. Thanks

Idle/base consumption is definitely something to consider, an A/B with linear PSU might be 30W/ch, with SMPS 20, these class-Ds (e.g. Purifi) are about 8W/ch idle. 👍

Nice vid like always gene😃 do you think this nad m23 can sound as good as my parasound jc5? I love my amp, but im getting very tired of melting away in my sofa in the summer🥵 and not to mention the cost of constant 2-400w of usage just by having it at idle to normal volumes.

@Audioholics

Жыл бұрын

The M23 exceeds the performance of Parasound with respect to noise and distortion. The JC amp probably has more output power at every low impedance loads which can be a factor if you're running such speakers. Just wait till Purifi comes out with 1kwatt modules. Game over Batman!

Gene, did you ever get around to bench testing any of the pioneer Elite D3 receivers? I have the opportunity to buy a second hand Sc-lx87, I believe this has the module that was developed after the ICE one?

Good news! Thanks. I'm currently developing a class D amp 2 x 300W. With 2 x linear power supply. It will be open loop, no feedback.

Gene, would you put the ATI class D amps in the same recommended category as the NAD and Monolith? I have a local dealer who would likely give me a deal on the ATI and according to Monolith/Monoprice, they won't offer fewer channels in their class D amps until some time in 2023.

I have a Peachtree Nova 300 (class D) on one of my systems, and two Parasound Monoblocks (ClassA/B) for the other. I love both but have never noticed a significant difference in quality.

Yeah man, Class D today is the way to go for sure! I have been interested in it ever since the diy hypex ncore nc400 modules came out and smoked the floor out of other designs. My wish now is for Onkyo/Denon, etc to make an AVR with a good class D module that could provide true 100wpc all channels driven that’s easy to move into position and it’s affordable. Sadly, I believe we are still a numer of years away from that

@techsamurai11

Жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'd love to see a Class D with support for 7-8 channels (7 you can bi-amp LR, 8 you can bi-amp LCR) so that you can get high quality 5.1. I'd like to see Denon and Marantz do it but I'm not happy with their current pricing. I'd rather see Onkyo and Pioneer make a strong comeback with a fantastic product or a newcomer like Emotiva and Monolith enter the AVR market. Forget all that Atmos nonsense - we can just put it behind us and move forward.

@tnasburypl

Жыл бұрын

@@techsamurai11 They say run more power than your speakers are rated and of course listen. I just like to see loudspeakers potentials. Now that I am older? I never listen to headphones or car audio. I prefer silence until the time comes. Preserving my hearing.

@dfabove9108

6 ай бұрын

Atmos nonsense , ya right !! My Hi Fi journey began in 1966 In a PX in Cu Chi S. Viet Nam about the time that Hi Fi turned into Stereo ! In 1967 I went to Hong Kong and bought a Dual TT w/Shure M 44-7 cartridge . I chased tech . every year since and around 1972 I was cutting edge with 4 channel sound ! I then spent over 13 years in the consumer electronics business managing a 27 retail chain of CE stores in California , before starting my own chain of stores . I have never left this hobby for a moment and count among the people that I hung with as Saul Marantz , FFloyd Toole ,Albert Von Scheikert and Kevin Deal . You would be hard pressed to find someone that has loved this hobby and adapted as much as I have . I waited for front projection to mature and enjoyed front projection from the begining with a Panasonic LCD projector before graduating to A Pioneer Elite ,JVC clone and now have a Last generation LCOS JVC projector that throws a great 4 k image to my next JVC laser 8 k projector ! I have a dedicated Home Theater that is in a seperate building that is a 7/4/2 system and am anxiously waiting for my order of a Buckeye 3 channel 1A400 Purifi system (class D ) to power my LCR fronts . I retired in 2009 and live on a couple of acres in Maui to spare my neighbors of the reference level sound that my system outputs ! The DTSX /Atmos sound of everything that is put through my AV/ system is breathtaking and everyone that experiences it is shocked (in a good way ) ! Don't trash anything that you have not experienced ! You a alot of cool stuff to look forward Too !! K @@techsamurai11

I using class D amp since 2012 and I’m very much satisfied. It’s pioneer sc LX 82. Which has B&O ice module and have the possibility to active bi-amping . I’m Running a pair of TAD S1-EX ( Pioneer), a very difficult speaker to drive. I know I should have gone for a pair of Belcanto monoblock, in future maybe I will. I had pre-power from Copland, and some other power hungry amps, but at the end I’ve sold them and stay with something more efficient. Trust me electricity in Europe is very expensive and if I can get almost same satisfaction from a class D then it’s better to stick with it.

I have been using a Halcro MC70 since 2005. I believe it is Class D. It got good reviews at the time and I've always liked it but I wonder if it's not flawed in the ways you say the other Class D Amps were. It still powers the main 7 channels of my home theater but I added a couple of Marantz 2 channel MM7025 amps over the years to add ceiling/height speakers.

Hello Gene. Great video. Very informative. I was wondering if you've tested the old Acurus A200 and/or Acurus A200x3 amplifiers. I just lost mine in a strange fire at my Daughter in law's house. Also last was my Lexicon MC1 and my old pair of Paradigm Studio 100 V1s. A drunk driver hit a utility pole outside of a body shop where my daughter in law, husband and 2 sons lived above the shop. The accident caused a fire in the shop which engulfed the entire structure quickly and thoroughly. My family made it out safely but my home theater that I stored there after an abrupt move to Puerto Rico was incinerated until unrecognizable. My daughter in law and family have since bought and moved into their own house within 4 months of the fire. They didn't have renter's insurance and we don't know if we'll be entitled to replacements at this time. I was just curious about an independent testing of those amps I was able to enjoy for 2 decades. Btw, I owned a Marantz SR880 MK II before graduating to separates. For financial reasons I'm thinking about starting anew with another Marantz receiver. Any info on those Acurus amps would be appreciated. It appears that the company that revived Acurus are upholding the high quality sound and build quality that was delivered by Aragon Home Audio.

@Audioholics

Жыл бұрын

So sorry to hear this but glad your family made it out. I used and loved Aragon amps for many years including the Palladiums and 8008 series. They were great but ran hot and consumed a lot of power. If I were on the market for a new amp today, I'd move to a SOTA class D for sure. Nothing wrong with great linear amps but they aren't very efficient which is a problem when you go to a multi-ch speaker system for Atmos.

@terrnado

Жыл бұрын

@@Audioholics Hello again Gene, thanks for the reply. I was finally able to get a partial charge of our laptop and cell phones since Hurricane Fiona has left our area without electricity and water. I remember those 8008s. If my memory is correct, they had the distinctive wedge cut out of the top of the chassis. I coveted those but I couldn't find them for the price I wanted. The Acurus amps were extremely good at heat dissipation. They also had a traditional shape with 3 sided cooling capability. The more I write about my old gear the more I miss it. Hopefully I can bounce back. Keep up the great work on your channel and I'll keep watching. Peace.

Great video Gene. Is my 1978, Pioneer SX1250 160wpc all class A or A/B?

I use the rotel rb1572 class D power amplifier alongside my musical fidelity class A pre amplifier the power this has is unbelievable and the control over the music due to it's power reserve I just love it

WeI've just swapped out my Roksan k3 and CXNv2 combo for a CA Evo 150 and am really happy. Such a "clean" sound and love the tight bass. No idea how the Evo measures but it sounds good to me. Hypex Ncore in it.

Class D amplification has had a long impression as being less than. Oh has times have obviously changed from that personification. I've had some monolith in my days: Parasound HCA-3500 & the BAT VK-500 (BAT PACK). Room heaters powering KEF 105/3. I've also owned an NAD 2200, as unstable as that amp was. Wasn't great sounding either, to my ears. It simply lacked depth, detail & air. From memory, I had better results with dynamics & speed with a Classé CA-200 & CAP-151 biamping. Definitely more coherency with the one power amp then with the two rig. But the dynamics & speed were so satisfying together. I was hoping to duplicate with the dual mono designs of either the HCA-3500 or with the VK-500? To my dismay, it didn't happen. Probably the synergy was off ? I ended up moving & selling all those high-end pieces in a downsize for vintage gear from a Sansui integrated. AU-D11 ii. I gave up the slam & lowest noise floor for speed & detail. Now if a NAD Class D amp has the speed & detail of a Spectral DMA-180? I'll dig up my ladder & climb back up the "high-end" tree & purchase an NAD M23. Before I go there, I'll give a (pre-owned) Luxman L-509X a go first. For the integrated is redux of simplicity I highly appreciate these days of old. I'll look Gene to see if you've done any integrated amps a thrashing? A Class D integrated? Now that would be interesting too!

Interesting, Gene. Specs are specs, and they aren't be-all-end-all, but...that's some compelling data. Look forward to your a/b impressions

Good video- its amazing how well it measured. Did you happen to measure IMD? Will be sure to watch follow up of how it sounds. The only negative I see is seviceability if its built simuliar to the older ones I've looked at. You cant just replace a couple transistors to fix a channel since they use modules which are probably very costly. The switching supply to be that clean would likely be designed simuliar to something in a top end PC which are very complex internally.

@Audioholics

Жыл бұрын

Yes and IMD almost always better than THD+N

@audiogear474

Жыл бұрын

@@Audioholics Good to know. Thanks

@juanmillaruelo7647

Жыл бұрын

The modules themselves sourced from Hypex, Purifi and others are not overly expensive all things considered. But regarding proprietary tech introduced by OEM manufacturers YMMV. That will depend on the manufacturer's track record. I'm sticking with "plain vanilla" for the time being. Swapping amp modules (if ever you should need to) will not bankrupt you.

@audiogear474

Жыл бұрын

@@juanmillaruelo7647 Thats good they are available. As long as mfgrs keep parts for up to 10 years after launch I'm OK with it.

Very informative once again. Thx for sharing…

Selecting any products is a mix of specs verses price verse overall experience ...so personally I like the simple option that we research, demo and then simply choose what we like ....not necessary just on specs , or what others like or recommend ! As we all have different tastes ...and with hifi hearing.

Please do a blind comparison of this amp and others. You keep saying there are differences in amp sound, but the examples given have been pretty much exceptions or outright faulty designs. I'm not saying there aren't hearable differences between reasonably designed amps operating within their parameters, but healthy skepticism is what this channel has taught me. Cheers!

Would like to see measurements on Legacy Audio i·V1 Monobloc 1. Just bought used B&W 803 D4 and would love to give monoblock a try But good monoblock are expensive, I was think about getting Emotiva monoblock.

Thank you for this excellent video. Couldn't agree more. Once these amps start using GaNFET's instead of MOSFET's it's going to be the final nail in the coffin for linear amps. PS Word is, is that McIntosh is working on a D amp.

@mudover11

4 ай бұрын

Agree

You are so right. I have a VTV Purifi EVAL1 that I modified a little. I love it, It's the best amp I have ever owned. My speakers are Merlin TSM and they are great with Purifi power amp.

I'd like to hear the new crop of GaN class d amps. They seem to be a vast improvement over my 2012 class D audio amp. That had a P/s hum and a bit of a vague treble. It was promising because the bass and mids were very good. I hope class D pushes overweight class A and a/b amps back to the archives of audio. I remember when the audio community raged against class A/B, yet-i've heard too soft class A amps.

And the great thing is, you can get a small system builder Purifi amp for 1/3 the price the NAD. I got a Hypex one and it’s great.

I recently moved from a Sunfire Cinema grand signature for my focal mini utopias to a parasound a21+. I know this isn't a straight class D but I think the parasound is an improvement

@Audioholics

Жыл бұрын

Those old Sunfire amps aren't class D and they aren't very good with respect to noise or distortion. Nothing close to Purifi Class D and I can see why you prefer the Parasound.

@Theguypostingthis

Жыл бұрын

@@Audioholics I got for $2700 any amps you would suggest for similar price

Hi! When will the follow-up video about the GAIA with the measurements be published? Thanks.

I'm all for progress and new technology. Gene, can you sometimes do real power consumption measurement comparison between a, ab and d class amps(using power meter connected between power outlet and amp)? Another thing tip at least partially blind test at your theater room (again at least ab vs d class amp)...

@demonreturns4336

Жыл бұрын

I mean these days in the current state of the planet power consumption is kinda of a worry for most people

Great! Are you planning on evaluating Legacy Audio IV series amplifiers?

Replaced my boat moorings with a cheap but quality class D. Even expected some "glary highs" but all I heard was a nice clean sound, even "warm", because there is no glare/fluffyness that some other admittedly older amps I've heard have. Not the highest power, but more than enough most of the time. I may upgrade to more power and quality some day

Wow that Hypex performance really is game changing. Especially on that 3rd harmonic. It may make the subtleties of gear a truly ridiculous pursuit, like what cars did to horse breed selection. What a time to be alive

@merakrut

Жыл бұрын

The M23 employs Eigentakt class-D amplifier modules manufactured by NAD under license from Denmark’s Purifi Audio, not Hypex.😉

You are right I never should have included 10k, that's way beyond audible. I've only used 1k square waves in my measurements. However music is more than sine waves, of course it isn't square waves either but rise times are important and otherwise similar measuring amps with different measuring square waves at 1k sure sound different with the same speakers.

Would love a blindfolded group listening comparison between the Class D NAD, Monololith, ATI and Class A/B McIntosh, ATI, Krell.

I could not agree more...I've run the gamut with high end class A/AB amps. I have Apogee Divas with a active crossover & 15" subs using 8 channels of class D amplification. I will never go back!

I just replaced an Onkyo receiver with a small integrated class d amp to test the waters. I can say I'm blown away with the absolute pristine audio I'm enjoying now.

@user-xg6zz8qs3q

Жыл бұрын

I'm in a similar situation. However, I regret buying the cheapest Tripath amp with only 10W of power. It sounds pristine however! Desktop amps are definitely a trap. All amps should have at least 25W on tap. It doesn't take more space.

I have the NAD M33 and have read some negative reviews over the past few months. I use them with Klipsch La Scala II speakers and I am blown away with the clarity and detail of this amp.

@ericmyers4572

Жыл бұрын

Auditioned an M33 a few weeks ago. It's almost eerie how good that thing sounds (at least in that room with that content - local high end hifi old school dinosaur style shop)

@matthewfrazee3352

Жыл бұрын

I auditioned the Nad m33 against the lyngdorf tdai 3400 against my old Yamaha as3000. The Nad was the superior amp. I ultimately chose the lyngdorf only because I preferred roomperfect to Dirac.

I will not "dump" my Class A/B amplifier until it dies, and in that process it will outlast half a dozen Class D amplifiers. The MTBF of a linear power supply is much greater than switch-mode junk. If it should fail, the components in a class A/Bare easy to identify and replace, as opposed to the Class D, which is covered in hundreds of surface-mount boogers. We've not seen manufacturers adjust the price of these "high end" Class D amplifiers, even though they don't contain nearly as much copper and iron, have a dramatically lower shipping weight, and cost a small fraction to manufacture, rather they are enjoying a high markup on these devices. Building devices with lower expected lifespans guarantees a future revenue stream, it fits the "disposable" model, but I wouldn't call it high end. None of us will be handing down our Class D amps to our kids or grandkids like we would a vintage Marantz or Pioneer receiver, this stuff will be in landfills petty soon.

I have the NAD 388 runing my Dynaudio DM 3/4 and im impressed with the sound .Been in Audio since 1970 had all kind of amps A ,A/B ,tubes and finally went for Power D and never looked back.

What is your opinion on the JL Audio 1200/1v3 Slash-series amplifier? I love it, wondering your opinion.

How does the NAD M23 compare to the Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier (regarding efficiency and distortion)?

Ohh, I love that. I don't have the money to buy the actual parts so I keep designing amps at MultiSim and run simulations to check out the distortion patterns and try to improve them. I designed a bunch of linear ones, and now I am at the beginning of designing a class-d, but the simulations take too long to run when it's a switching circuit. But I would love to know the details of the schematics that contribute for the distortion profile of the amp. Right now I don't know much about it, only that it can come from an op-amp that most designs use that could introduce bad distortion when it's not high quality.

Dude, you were perfect until 12:56 when you started talking about embracing 16 and 32 channel systems and even mentioned the word that should never be mentioned - Atmos. 😄 I want to embrace an affordable 5.1 Perlisten System with the SR8015's performance in Class D allowing bi-amplification of the LCR, all in beautiful wood veneers and level meters that match the Technics SU-G700M2 😁

There are a number of manufacturers producing class D amplifiers modules like Hypex, Purifi etc. These amps are typically sold to manufacturers that incorporate them into an amplifier design, As a consumer, it's not at all easy to discern who the manufacturers are that are producing class D amps and whose class D module they are using. It would be really helpful to see Audioholics or another publisher research this and produce a current list of class D amp makers and who they source the amp component from. I know from researching this a bit myself that NAD, ATI, PS Audio and a long list of smaller domestic and foreign manufacturers are building switching amplifiers but it's by no means a complete list. Some of the manufacturers disclose whose amp module they're using and whether it's a stock or modified version but not all do. I'm also curious about the reliability and longevity or class D amps compared to class AB amplification. For example, I'm interested in NAD's M 33 amplifier, but I noted that NADs warranty on this product is 3 years. That's not terribly reassuring for a product that lists for $5999. Class AB amp builders like Bryston, Luxman, and McIntosh have warranties that are 20 years and that tells me they trust their build and intend to stand behind it. Last but not least, I have followed the availability of NAD's products for over a year now and it's perfectly clear they have serious supply chain issues as their products, particularly their class D products, are often out of stock for months on end with no expected delivery date. I am definitely interested in class D but I am willing to wait awhile to see how these perform over time and whether or not manufacturers of these products begin to offer more reassuring warranties.

@JohnSmith-qi6co

10 ай бұрын

Look for threads on ASR as well as videos here with Dylan of Buckeye amps. I think you'll be impressed with his passion for quality. He seems to be a master of class D amps even though his PhD is in Immunology.

@klepp19

6 ай бұрын

I will build a Nilai soon!😊

Any reviews coming for the Monoprice Monolith Hypex amps?

Wow, that NAD RAWKS! I've always like the old school SAE and NAD stuff. I've been drooling over the M28 to power my 7 Focal Chora 826's (that I just bought).....but at present kinda can't fit that in my budget...although....

Ran a class D Alpine 4 channel amplifier. For its price and form factor it has served me well and had plenty of power to drive the speakers in my car. Sounds great as well. I also had a PS Audio Stellar S300. Sounded ok but felt every other a/b amplifier I had at home fit better sonically, almost as it had a constant touch of coloration and lacked depth. They're ok, work good but I would not fetch boutique price tags for what happens to be essentially an expensive chassis for a common kit amp.

Gene have you tested any GaNFET amps? I'm considering going from an Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2 to a Peachtree GaN400

A comment on the Nelson Pass amplifier: Nelson Pass does not design his amplifiers for lowest measurable distortion. He voices them for a specific distortion spectrum, that created on purpose after a series of listening tests. So, there you are not measuring unwanted artefacts, it is not mediocrity. It is specific design, which yielded more positive subjective listening tests versus the lowest distortion baseline.

@guus007

6 ай бұрын

So they know what they are doing. I would call pass labs musical sounding and relatively neutral.

If you’re an audio enthusiast, there’s always celebration for new technology and variety. I have several Class D amps but also Class A, A/B, G, H, and even T amps. My Class T is pretty neat, novel - $40 Dayton Audio tiny thing that runs on batteries.

@user-xg6zz8qs3q

Жыл бұрын

I have that same Class T amp with the TA2024 chip but under the Wondom Sure brand. It sounds wonderful with my full range transmission line bookshelf speakers. But 10W of power ain't enough for orchestral music. I could have spent a little more cash and go for something like a Sabaj A10A with more beans.

@RennieAsh

Жыл бұрын

I've got a TA2021s amp that sounds pretty good on my desktop. Not enough power to drive the speakers to full, but they never need to get that far anyway in my use.

@epi2045

Жыл бұрын

@@RennieAsh I think they need to make Class T Tripath amps more readily available. I actually tried my TA2021 on my Magnepan 1.6’s. They played quietly for sure. However they did sound great on some old B&W 302 Prisms and Polk Audio Monitor 5B with Silver series tweeters. Lost my amp in a divorce 😢

Gene I agree, I sold my Class AB amp and am shopping for a class D. I did compare some Class D (Peachtree Gan400, M23, Starkrimson, AHB2 and while they are 80 % of the expensive amps (JC1 Krell etc) they aren't quite as good. Almost though. What is the best class D you have ever listened to?

I recently dipped my toe into class D with a Starke Sound Fiera4,and to my surprise the sound quality was better than my pair of Cambridge Audio 840W’s in mono block mode. I do hear more of a sound stage from the 840’s but they're over 3 times the price at $5,200 and change, compared to $1,500 for the Fiera! Also the 840’s turn my listening room into a sauna

Any class D 3-channel power amp that can replace my Mark Levinson 533H from a musical point a view? I use it for stereo listening (Holoaudio Spring 3 KTE dac and Holoaudio Serene pre amp) and for LCR in home cinema setup (Rotel RAP 1580mk2).

Looking forward to hearing your subjective thoughts on NAD vs the STR amp (and anything else you have in house)

Great post. I think GaNfets are also going to take Class D to another level. Please post your listening tests using the various high end amps you have.

Love your stuff Gene. Which of those amps would you expect to end up in a landfill in 20 years? Transformers just last longer and are much more serviceable than switching power. Can't argue with the numbers though.

@Audioholics

Жыл бұрын

Good SMPS is reliable but yes this will be a good case study in the years to come.

Hi Gene, I would love if you could review and test the PrimaLuna 300 amp/preamp. this is an all-valve amp and the sound is superb.

Wondering what they sound like in comparison. Sometimes tubes and other amplifiers have a more pleasing warm sound. Even if it’s not quite as perfect. Speakers obviously as well. So just because it measures really good doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to sound really good. Wondering what your thoughts are. I know you’re very technical, however sometimes just like records which aren’t perfect or more pleasing to some audiofiles

@ahlbergmagnus

5 ай бұрын

I agree. I now that amp that measures really well can still sound lifeless, non engaging, sharp etc. It has to pass listening tests as well. With that said, high end class D designs do sound good.

About 3 years ago I opted for a 5 channel ATI Class D amp with 200 watts/ch. I've been extremely happy with it and I would buy again.

Looking for a bargain in used class D , try to find Gilmore Audio amps , either the stereo amp or the twice the power mono block Raptor model . Research reviews . Love mine , NFS

Really like the Hypex / IcePower Class-D amps. As long as you have 150W per channel of

@Artcore103

Жыл бұрын

I don't disagree the hypex stuff is good, but 1%? i only look to see how high the power goes before it hits the corner and starts a steep climb, and consider it's power to be whatever it puts out at 1 or 2 orders of magnitude less distortion than that. you could argue .1% i'll accept that. plenty of amps out there with good power at .01% (as he showed here). 1% is kind of high. my ta-3020 based amp is doing over 100w at like .02%.

This is a really timely discussion as I’ve been looking hard at amp options for my living room. Looking at just buying another Parasound (A21+) to go with my Anthem STR, but also looking hard at something like an NAD integrated like the M33 instead.

@adrianegowski5012

Жыл бұрын

If I'm not mistaken M33 is not even close to this one. Look at stereophile review. I've been there, decided to go with integrated STR. Not great, but not terrible. Awesome preamp but the power amp is loosing a bit of this performance.

@MrUttammaru

Жыл бұрын

Go for blind test, I noticed difference when I wanted to buy ELAC Floor standing FS 248 and carried my NAD and they had Marantz 7000N and was completely taken over by it. Earlier I had Class AB Onkyo but all the hype through youtubers for NAD i fall for it and was happy until I started re-discovering clarity. Year back I visited a consultant in another city who had two Class D amps Pioneer and NAD and other Class AB and took blind test. Please note Class D takes sample rate like digital and when it goes to high frequency amplification that adds noise (kind of jitter) and to eradicate they remove high frequency now to compensate they add high frequency before amplification. Also note KEF has released wireless speakers and for Bass Driver Woofer they are using Class D but for Mids and Highs they are using Class AB. You can take from my experience or can go ahead and burn your money in class D. The analogy of Electric and Fuel combustion is totally wrong that can be used for amp power rating. Please check PS Audio (Class D Stellar are cheap and Class AB BHK are very expensive) even Marantz gave up Class D after Model 30 and back to class AB, all high critical listening amplifiers are Class AB or Class A (gets too hot had demo of old Yamaha at second hand dealer)

@jamiesmith6838

Жыл бұрын

What's also not mentioned, or I missed? Is power consumption of Class D Amplification being very low. Easy on the Grid Cali & electric bill too for that matter. Another reason I got out of the 100lbs power amp realities. 👌 I'm liking the Active speaker options nowadays too!

@jamiesmith6838

Жыл бұрын

@@adrianegowski5012 Good catch! I read simular.

@adrianegowski5012

Жыл бұрын

@@jamiesmith6838 especially that Dynaudio recently issued new Focus series with dirac :-)

Where can I dump my Pass X600.5's? ;-) That picture of the Pass amp that you showed is not the setreo X350.5 AB amp but a Pass XA200.5, 200 Watts Class A monaural amp weighing in at 160 lbs per channel taking in 700 Watts when idling.

For two channel audio, tube amps are still alive and well, so I'm pretty sure linear solid state amps still have a long profitable life ahead of them. A lot of people seem to enjoy the harmonics added by these types of amps. In many channel home theater setups, the reduced heat, power consumption, and weight of class D amps are going to be more important than for two channel and now that good class D are being made I won't be surprised if the soon eclipse other technology for home theater use.

Any high quality but lower power options for high efficiency speakers like Klipsch Heritage (Cornwall IV) stuff?

I’ve always been and likely always will be will be a staunch advocate of choice. It is nice and indeed, healthy that music lovers have a choice of the classification of amp they purchase to reproduce music. I started to build my hifi system in the early 80s when class D was in its infancy and not well known. Hence, 40 years later my main rig includes pure class A preamp, with the rest of the amplification in the chain being class AB. I don’t foresee that changing any time soon. That having bren said, my nearfield desktop rig in my off is class D and sounds great. Crisp, rich, full bodied and full range. I don’t have a particular bias, but would I will have a choice. That’s why I thing both topographies are here, side by side, for the long term.

Oh yeah, quality and ALOT of output in a small form factor. Our new Elementi audio utilise Pascal amp modules with DSP allowing fully active direct connection to the speaker drivers (no passive crossovers) .Even the surround channels have 500w. That’s crazy power compared to 10 years ago.

I couldn’t agree more with your assessment. I purchased a Legacy Powerbloc2 about 2 years ago and couldn’t be happier with the performance, with the Martin Logan 60XTis. The amp runs cool, is dead silent, can push 650WPC into the 4Ω MLs and didn’t break my back carrying it upstairs.

How does it sound off of the test bench?

The moment there's a class d amp that measures the same or better than a yamaha a-s301 or higher series for the same or lower price, i'll consider class D ready. Some of the cheap TPA3255 based amps around are very impressive for what they cost so it's no doubt only a matter of time.

I've never noted differences in power amp sound to any great degree, with a few exceptions (SETs definitely have a different sound - with notable differences in output tubes as well, and classic Naim has a distinctive sound to my ears). But with Class D, i can say that the lowly ICE power 50ASX2 sounds as good as any Krell, Levinson or Pass amp i've heard (memory only, no direct comparison). The ease of implementation, combined with good sound, means I won't use anything else in any build that demands more power than a pair of 300bs would provide

@asplmn

Жыл бұрын

One exception may be a VFET (Tokin) amp based on the Pass SIT-3. Haven't heard any amp that sounds better than this (with relatively sensitive speakers.) It's incredible. But, I want a Class D for when I'm not doing dedicated listening for power efficiency reasons.

@robertbrenner610

Жыл бұрын

@@asplmn I haven't heard any of Nelson's First Watt designs, but I do know a guy who built the Amp Camp one - Ill have to see if i can borrow it sometime

@asplmn

Жыл бұрын

@@robertbrenner610 the FW stuff is definitely worth playing with -- or building (DIY) -- if you get a chance. The ACA is awesome for the price, but doesn't compete against the SIT stuff. Would love to hear your thoughts if you get a chance to do so! :)

Re: Pass Labs measurements, did you look at the spectra of the distortion profile? Low-order harmonic distortion is much more pleasing than higher-order of the same magnitude. Nonetheless, explains why you enjoyed listening to it more than measuring it. ;)

@Audioholics

Жыл бұрын

Yes the Pass Labs FFT is really nasty even with the higher order spectra. Still, it sounded much better than it measured.

Class-D audio power amps have totally taken over live sound production. Ten years ago, you could still find linear Crown, JBL, QSC, and Yamaha power amps, but they were relegated to permanent rack-mounted installations that demanded utmost reliability. Early generations of Class D amps had a reputation for sudden infant death syndrome, particularly when their output terminals were shorted. Nowadays, networked remote control DSP features have been fully integrated into professional power amps, simplifying monitoring and maintenance of power amp racks.

@alex_stanley

Жыл бұрын

The Coda Audio line array I got for my new venue has 7 4-channel amps at 3500 watts per channel. I can't even imagine how large and heavy the amplifier stack would be to put out the same power with class AB.

@jamiesmith6838

Жыл бұрын

@@roofpizza1250 Exactly, And? Sound Reinforcement & Studio Monitoring is different from Home Stereo. I've been present at all three. From live concerts to in studio monitoring / recording process. I use to hangout in studios in NYC with my musician friends. What I find surprising still, is most musicians don't necessarily own High-End gear? Although, nowadays studio & home gear are becoming a blur. "Focal" makes some really Great Active(D amplification) & passive speakers.. that are comfortable in either environments. Focal is not the only ones either. JBL has of recent years, attempting to recapture its glory with their very nice Blue baffle monitors. I don't think JBL has dabbled into "Active" yet? Studio playback is closer to Home listening. Thanks to the use of XLR options. I go back to when JBL & Altec Lansing (which are cousins, if not brothers so to speak) ruled studio monitor scene. That was the choice of playback we wanted at home. Mostly all our 70s artist were mastered using them! Sound Reinforcement is a totally different animal. Most of the robust electronics have noisy built in fans for cooling & reliability purposes.

@jamiesmith6838

Жыл бұрын

@@alex_stanley Probably a ton? LOL But, as we have learned power isn't the whole story. Early car amps made that clear with their actual power rating & distortion claims checked.

@eubikedude

Жыл бұрын

@@roofpizza1250 @roof pizza And you now have some more info to work with? Read between the lines.

@eubikedude

Жыл бұрын

@@jamiesmith6838 Thankfully the latest class D can give high power with very low distortion.

I’ve been running PS Audio M 1200 monoblocks for about a year and a half now. I really enjoy them and can’t really find any fault with them except I had a tube go bad prematurely in one. I’d like to see more people review them so I could get some other view points. I know Fremer did a review and his was very positive.

@ufarkingicehole

Жыл бұрын

Cost?

@TM-fx2pi

Жыл бұрын

@@ufarkingicehole $6500 a pair sold direct from their website.

@tnasburypl

Жыл бұрын

I would like a pair of those. Just tube on the input stage. I considered them. Hope to hear your long term thoughts.

@tnasburypl

Жыл бұрын

How did the resolve come to be? Any warranty?

@TM-fx2pi

Жыл бұрын

@@tnasburypl yup. Called them and told them what I was hearing (low level squealing from tweeter). Had two new matched tubes within a week free of charge!!

I have a class D amp that uses MOSFET with no feedback or filters and it makes a difference over my Clara A/B amps.

I understand that a really expensive unit like the Nad M23 performance is really great, but how about all the cheaper units from like Fosi audio, Ayima and Emotiva ect., if you could test those types of units it would be far more beneficial to the average consumer. Thanks!

We've been developing our own active studio monitor and have gone with Hypex N-core class D for the amplification. I would NEVER go back to AB now! Great video, thanks Gene!

@Phloored

Жыл бұрын

Yeah. I went with a active three way with hypex power and I'm a happy camper.

@sergeysmelnik

Жыл бұрын

Been using a hypex ncore nc502mp to power my klipsch forte i after doing much research on measurements.

What do you think of d-sonic?

This is off topic a bit, but I'd really like to see Gene cover the Minidsp flex or shd. Using either of these as a preamp with dirac and a purifi power amp seems to be state of the art performance for a moderate investment.

@Wozzaatwozza

Жыл бұрын

I would like to see that too.

@Phloored

Жыл бұрын

I use the shd studio with hypex in a digital streaming system and it's really nice.

@Wozzaatwozza

Жыл бұрын

@@Phloored my friend does too. On Polk L600 and REL subs.

@asx1248

Жыл бұрын

SHD straight into Pure Class A Triode monoblocks for me partnered with standmount speakers with a very flat impedance curve. Amps inefficient? yes but it’s a fast, natural, non-fatiguing sound and ok by today’s standard 0.13% THD at 1W may be considered high but it’s mainly second harmonic the most benign and musical harmonic. Oh and multi sub is also employed to ensure the bass remains tight. Now I’m not saying there aren’t better sounding systems out there but I’ve not heard one yet at any price :-)

@Phloored

Жыл бұрын

Love the mini dsp unit.

i only have class d amps, but any high efficiency amps is what i want. but the efficiency rating is at high output level, wish i rarely use. 1 watt output is what i want, and the best class d amps are at 10% efficient at that point.

Rocking a set of Emotiva Pa-1 Class D monoblocks on my front M&K S150´s. 300 wats into 4 Ohms, and they´re about the size and weight of matchboxes. Not hating it :-) I believe they have B&o IcePower boards.

Thank you for keeping it real and concise! You get right to the brass tacks on what matters in amplifiers and cut through the BS! I have learned more from your ch about what really matters with audio than probably any single other!!

My belief system was shattered when Powersoft put linear amps on life support in the pro sound /touring markets. Dinosaurs are holding on to linear because they need the bulk and size to justify the crazy prices . Then there's the imaginary "sound" which usually got snuffed in a blind test. It hurt me to admit that my McIntosh space heater was getting smoked by a Crown XLS. My NS-1000Ms and wallet couldn't be happier. Letting go is really hard after spending so much money over the years. For myself I just had admit that my Mac loyalty was more mental gymnastics and cost bias than anything coming through my speakers. Great video man!!!!!

Gene, I'm sitting here laughing. I put together a Purifi from parts with a Ghent Case and a Hypex Smps. It cost me all of $1200, and I'm certain it's performance numbers at least equal NAD's. I'm using it to drive LS 50 Meta, with a SVS SB2000 sub to supplement the bass. The whole thing is part of a 5.1 channel system run by an OCTO Research DAC 8, and it's server is a fanless Mele Quieter 3 with multichannel Dirac Live 3 to make everything work and play nice together. I'm an audiophile of 47 years, and if someone would have told me even 10 years ago, I would one day be able to put together an audiophile multichannel system of this quality, that works this well for both stereo and 5.1 channel, for around $5k, I would have told them they were nuts. We are truly in a golden age of audio. We just need to be careful not to slip on the snake oil certain vendors have spilled along the path.

@Audioholics

Жыл бұрын

Incredible indeed!