To purchase this amp, you need to email underwoodwally@aol.com ...AOL ! Man that is so 80s. Nope, I don't get anything if you buy from them.

@amb3cog

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing, and I mean nothing says old school. Like an AOL email address. You already know that person is very, very likely, a Boomer. 🤣🤣🤣

@chrismacdonald4570

2 жыл бұрын

@@amb3cog He is.

@stopthefomo

2 жыл бұрын

You’re killing it with your videos Thomas! Will you be going with the more efficient Class D amplifiers for your system? You need to check out the Vera P400 amplifier that’s easily one of the most thoughtfully engineered amps out there - it has Noctua fans!!

@Scottlp2

2 жыл бұрын

Walter is great, very helpful. He’s in the process of redoing all the speakers that is why he didn’t suggest them. They’ll be good when they are ready.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

@@stopthefomo Ah, let me research it.

walter is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable people in the audio world. i've been doing business with him for 15 years.

Thomas, you are easily one of the most (if not the best) engaging reviewers on KZread. It's also great that you take the review products to 3 of your audiophile friends. I'll mention it again - try to review the Octave V70 Class A with Super Black Box...!

One of your best reviews and I’ve been watching for almost 3 yrs . Review was clean-organized-to the point-fair & balanced . As for the product . . . I’m intrigued enough to explore this amp. Good job !

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

playing in a band i have switched to all class d amps, my bass rig has no problem producing lows also all floor monitors and pa have been switched to class d it is the cleanest system i have ever owned

@paulazzopardi6964

Жыл бұрын

What amps did you go for, if you don't mind me asking?

@laveaux8915

Жыл бұрын

for bass i use darkglass mirco 900, floor monitors are ev elx 200. mains are ev etx 35p, subs are db technologies 18s

You’ve become a class d expert and the forefront of class d info for the community Thomas. Thank you. I still don’t want one lol, but owning a jeff Rowland is one of my long term goals.

The class D I used 2 years ago was an EVS 1200, based on dual IceEdge AS1200 modules + lots of tweaks, and I raved about it for a year. Finally, I replaced it with the LSA Voyager 350, which is roughly half the wattage of the EVS, and yet the Voyager was twice as room filling. Highly recommended

Interesting review. Would like to hear a Pairing with the LRS.

@paulwisconsin456

2 жыл бұрын

Agree !

Cool amp, I like the case design and the mid-range forward attestation. I'd like to hear how it works with the LRS. I find the 1.7i maggies are not more difficult to drive than the LRS, surprisingly.

Very engaging videos Thomas, I appreciate your thoroughness and the involvement and feedback from your listening buddies . Had a look at LSA for their preamp offerings and the Discovery DPH-1 looks interesting though when I searched for reviews on KZread all I got was Land Rover reviews!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

It was not made by the same designer as this amp so I was less interested after I found out. Perhaps I should still give it a try.

Hey Thomas! Thanks for the video. I was looking at this one a while ago but for whatever reason it fell of my radar. After re-discovering this video, it is definitely back in the mix! I happen to like the design and the smaller footprint of this unit, as it will integrate with the modest desktop system I am running. I think Wally is one of the coolest guys in the business to work with, so I may just give him a call in the near future and see about bringing this amp into the fold. Thanks again for your great work, keep 'em coming!

Yes, I like to see a more detailed test with the LRS.

Thomas, you are one of the best audio reviewers out there., I enjoy your reviews even though I can’t afford any of it. My stuff has to be cheap, maybe a few thousand dollars. Thank you and keep them coming.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks!

Thomas ... This has become one of the best reference review channels worth watching ... Congrats Brother

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate that

Thank you Mr. Thomas, excellent and engaging as usual! 😊

Nice review. Your efforts are appreciated. I too would like to see you do a test with the LRS.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Coming soon!

Picked one up, very nice amp, so close to my reference set up, will have to a bit more A/B ing. If your speakers have strong upper mids…very hard to beat…clean insides. The designer did a fantastic job. Right mix of parts to get the sound. No complaints at this price

Amazing the difference between the two samples. I liked the Dynaudio clip. I have only heard class D at a community diy meeting. One of our members built an early system.. His pcb was the size of a credit card and it was driving some giant JBL enclosures with authority. He later refined the power supply and the linestage and it was surprisingly good. But the speakers were not resolving enough to know how it really stacked up other than being amazed that something so tiny could pack so much punch down low. The JBL's had 4x 15" low end and this thing seemed to drive more punch than a lot of the other amps but lacked the refinement of the Pass Labs stuff.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Nice, thanks for sharing.

Thomas, nice review and yes as an owner of the LRS' I look forward to your reviewing them with the LSA Warp 1. Thank you!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I am supposed to get a 0.7 in for review so I will test it on that.

Great chat Thomas. Thanks for your thoughts and experience - always very informative and entertaining. Greetings to you and yours. Would be interested to hear your impression of these compared directly with the GAN version that you also enjoyed.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

You mean the peachtree Gan 400? That one is more refined, more quiet background with better layering while this one is more dynamic and fun with a more forward midrange.

Sounds like an amp I would love. First, I'd like to get those Arendal 1723 speakers you used in your demo.

Wow ! This amp sounds special. Thank you.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

You bet!

That's a retailer's website not the manufacturer. I love Underwood HiFi! I buy my gear from them often. I recommend them highly. Often times the key to making class D amps sound good are vintage speakers.

I have the LSA Signature 20s. They are a theater tower with British Harbeth like tone. They need a lot of power.

Great review as always.

Thomas, when I was a kid and needed a summer job, I had my mums take me to the Rowland factory to see if I could get a job soldering boards for Mr. Rowland. I used to read all the audio magazines back then and was amazed by the reviews of Rowland and the power ratings. I thought to myself that one day I would own one, but no way at that time could do that. I toured the factory and remember seeing the amps with these huge capacitors and heat sinks. I didn't end up getting a job there, but the tour of the plant was inspiring to me. Compared to my department store receiver back then, this was like a Formula 1 car next to a Toyota Camry. Anyway, years later, I never really followed Rowland and had almost forgotten about them until you mentioned them. Modern Class D is like traveling to an off world planet, meeting up with some technological advanced peeps that give you this little light weight box that outperforms all your 50kg A/B amps. On certain speakers, A/B may be preferable, but I continue to find new class D is ultra clean, dynamic and powerful. I used a Nova 300 to wake up a pair of Polk Lsim 707. This brought out details and agility that I was not getting from A/B, like it upscaled to sound like something much more expensive. Glad to see other manufacturers getting serious about Class D. Class D uses far less material than A/B and more efficient. This might matter to some people concerned about the planet.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, you know I always enjoy reading your comments, so thoughtful and interesting.

@robertthurston6858

2 жыл бұрын

You should of asked if you could of just swept the floors first at the J Rowland factory and start from there. 😀

❤️❤️😎 THANKS THOMAS FOR ENTERTAINING STORIES EDUCATING 🧐US AND ENTERTAINING SOUND DEMOS 😍😍😍

Great review. I am planning to pair this amp with the KEF R5’s or R11’s. Enough power? Good match from a sound standpoint? Thoughts? Thank you!

Hi Thomas. Good review as usual. Class D looks like the future alright. They look to be getting better and better. Great to see you have the Arendal speakers in house. But kinda surprised you wanted to review the tiny ones. I've just got the Tower S floor standers since last November. They have a 60 day sale or return policy which is great. I'm thinking now of Class D Amplification now. I running the Arendals with the Willsenton R8. I'll be waiting to see what you think of them, plus the Sibelius speakers you have. Keep up the good work.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I would like to try the Floorstanders but I want to let my buddies try it too.

Great review!

Thanks for this video. Are there any top of the line class D amps for iems, headphones and desktop set ups? With body/engagement.

I’m def biased toward a or a/b topology but glad to see this review!

Holy crap, this might be the sound I've been looking for... I'm going research some more.

Hi Thomas! Hoping to see you in Montreal Audiofest (and hoping you'll participate in their contest of making a perfect hi-fi system room)

Would love yo get uour impression of the magnspans. I'm using crown class d to drive mine and I'm hsppy, but the glassiness on the top end does bother me with some music. This seems like a possible fit, and I would like to hear more.

Nice review my friend! As always!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Hi Mr Thomas can you compare this unit to the PS audio s300?

Nice looking class d amp has that sleek look , I need to try a modern day Class D amp this one high on my list for coming New year thanks Thomas

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Nice nice.

They also make a pre for this amp. Any thoughts on that? They match well.

Comparison to PS S300 and Ayima A07 would be great. Because I can not pick Ayima from Para A23+ in blind test with LRS. Neither my wife. And we tried really hard.

I don't care about the gear, i just enjoy hearing you speak. Don't know why.

This amplifier is just amazing

Thanks for the video review. For the past 2 years I have been using a Buckeye Amp designed around the Hypex NC502MP with a Topping Pre90 driving a pair of BMR Monitors. With their RAAL tweeters, the BMR Monitors are extremely revealing. I have been wanting to get some warmth into the system and I am thinking of replacing the Hypex-based amp with the LSA Warp 1 or possibly replace everything with the Heaven 11 Billie Mkii.

@ThomasAndStereo

6 ай бұрын

It depends, if you want more body and warmth, class AB or A is still the way to go. Class D is good but it is more about having a clear and neutral presentation.

Thanks for another great review, do you pair it with a tube preamp?

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I did try with and without, it is better with but its fine without.

Hi Thomas My friend uses a pair of class D amps and yes it’s really good and delivers 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms so yes Class D is getting better and better Take Care

Maybe a front tube stage would help using lets say 2 12ax7s or 4 12au7s.,Vincent uses this approach successfully.with power amps.BTW using matched top drawer tubes up front makes a HUGE difference. eg Gold Lion top grade from Upscale.

Great review Thomas as always! I really enjoy your channel. I have never heard you say what your source is . . . CD, Streaming, HD files? What do you feed the DAC's, Integrated amps and so forth? What songs do you use to evaluate gear? Do you use the same songs on each review?

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I use all kind of sources, mostly HD files for serious listening and CDplayer for the ultra serious listening. I just randomly listen to music these days, I do have a few go to tracks.

been curious about the speakers and gear fm LSA...hope u can review their speakers next

Hello Thomas! Thanx for the review. However, I am inpatient to hear about the French Aperture Bookshelf speaker !! By the way, do you also think Ron has long COVID and that Ritchie is missing shipping material !! Keep up the good work !! Bill from France !!

I love your videos, they are always engaging.I just wanted to ask, doesn't the tube buffer add coloration to the sound ? Class D is "detailed accurate", adding more, would this not be counter productive?

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

Audio research is pretty neutral. It depends on what you want. If adding a tube preamp extends the reverb which fixes the dryness problem, and as a result, you enjoy the system more, it is not counterproductive. Why is being accurate the end goal? Should enjoyment not be the end goal? It is a hobby after all.

I've been playing around with several TPA3255 boards in my DIY projects. They are definitely bring a slightly warmer smoother tone vs other Class D amps which I like but plus they still offer lots of mid range detail and very low noise floor. Overall very well behaved boards and need little tweaking to sound good.

@jessicas-discoveries-age-6-12

2 жыл бұрын

@Thomas & Stereo Be nice to get a review on the Purify based amps. Quite a step up in price from the TPA 3255 boards. I'd imagine they are more comparable to Hypex based amps in terms of sound quality and build. In fact a shootout between ICE power, Purify and Hypex amplifiers would be a good comparison from makes such as Nord and Apollon Audio.

@amb3cog

2 жыл бұрын

@@jessicas-discoveries-age-6-12 The Purifi has been reviewed by Thomas. At least two amps also! From VTV specifically. And I've owned both a Hypex Ncore (Audiophonics NC 252MP amp), as well as a Purifi Eigentakt Evaluation amp from VTV. I sent the Purifi amp back. It was way too revealing for the stuff I listen to everyday unfortunately. This was with a Pro-ject Streambox S2 Ultra/Bifrost 2/Schiit Freya + combo and a pair of Kef R300's. Same results on my Elac Carina bookshelf speakers too though. Doesn't mean one should avoid them unless they only play quality recordings IMHO. But one should at least be aware how ruthlessly revealing they can be. And should probably try one from a place that accepts returns. As I did thankfully. If not I would be selling it at a loss right now instead. Not a nice outcome for what I thought was going to finish up my system for me at all. But it's okay. This Hypex sounds great, and I've got a used Nuprime STA-9 amp on the way. So I'll figure it out in the end. Enjoy the Music ✌️

@jessicas-discoveries-age-6-12

2 жыл бұрын

@@amb3cog That's interesting about the Purify. Yes you can have too much of a good thing for everyday listening. I spend long hours at the computer so I too prefer an easier listening experience on my little setup. I just recently brought another little TPA 3255 board from 3e Audio which i'm going to stick in a case as a pure power amp running straight off my Motu DAC. Its definitely a lot more revealing and detailed than the cheaper generic boards out there and is probably about as far as I want to go detail wise before becoming irritating over long long listening periods. My little office speakers are little self designed speakers using SB Acoustics tweeters and Tang Band full range drivers which have lovely upper midrange detail. I'm also eyeing up the Nord multi channel power amps with Hypex modules for my living room system so that would be interesting when it happens at some point. Have fun experimenting.

@diyhifi2632

8 ай бұрын

i'm a tpa3255 user here. tpa3255 paired with tube preamp.. just amazing for a small cost. icepower also using tpa3255 in thier 200AS2 model.

thanks for doing this!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

The new Billie amp from Heaven 11 has about the same power, roughly same price and does have the tube pre already...I hope someone compares the sound quality. Thanks for the look.

Oh man this is tempting. Going to have a hard time deciding between this and the Willsenton r8 for my fortes.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Or wait for my amp but it will be way more expensive.

@MatthewProietto

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo I’ll be on the lookout! I don’t mind sending on a quality product.

Thomas do you think Billie amp as pre with Warp 1 makes a good combo

Did you get a chance to try the Marantz Model 30? Marantz is moving wholesale to Class D. Would love to hear what you think, you were saying they reached out to you.

I'm curious how the Rogue Audio Dragon would compare.

If you want a really great class D amp, try a pair of Mola-Mola Kaluga mono amps. Not inexpensive, but you get the best class D implementation.

I know you have reviewed the Gan Orchard monoblocks but you need to review the Ultra Stereo. I think you said that your friend likes it.

I wonder how it would compare with my class "A" circuitry Threshold Stasis 7 which h I use to drive the bass

I am turned on to LSA also. Looking forward to the speakers too ..=)

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I hope they send me a pair one day.

Nice review, Thomas. Any other preamp suggestions? Maybe a Schiit Freya+? And do you think it would be a good fit with the KLH Model 5’s (another sealed design)?

@amb3cog

2 жыл бұрын

That's by far your best bet for the money IMO. Plus they're an American company too, if that matters to you at all. To be fair I've not tried the Topping preamp, and I'm sure it's really good. But the Freya+ is just absolutely perfect for me. And I just can't see how someone wouldn't like it. Unless they were expecting a really tube like sound. This isn't that at all. But it's perfect if you're looking for the new sound. Which I've really grown to love myself. And the few options it has, are exactly all I need too. The only change I would like, is it they added a 4th output with a very tubey sound. That would be a lot of fun. But totally unnecessary really. I bet people would pay extra for it though. I know I would. And tube rolling is still very much worth trying out, if you get one BTW. I have tried all sorts of tubes in mine already. So far the best ones for the money are probably the vintage GE with the side getters. I got like 12 of them for $65, or so from an Ebay auction. And the first 2 I tried were pretty much worth the whole buy IMO. I do have some 3 hole Sylvania Bad Boys on the way though. They'll probably beat these. As have some other ones too. But they're all higher priced then the GE, and a lot rarer. The GE ones are very plentiful it seems, ✌️

@MH-rl9ep

2 жыл бұрын

@@amb3cog Awesome…..very informative post.

@amb3cog

2 жыл бұрын

@@MH-rl9ep No problem. I was actually quite shocked at how good it is. And I'm still trying to wrap my head around how adding something between the source and amp can make it sound so much better. But there it is. And I'm very happy that it comes with a 5 year warranty too, because it's definitely a keeper. ✌️

My fist class D Amp was the Bell Canto Evo from about 15 years ago. I now have the Nad M33. The top end and bottom end are smooth and extended. I would say the midrange still has a bit of class D "presentation." (As opposed to fault) They are best matched with a speaker with warm mid-range. M33 was a bad match with KEF LS50’S (mids too thin and cold) but a GREAT match for Rosso Fiorentino floorstanders. The Rosso’s have that classic Italian, warm and lush midrange presentation.

@jamesdwright

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Which RF floorstanders do you have? I've been on the lookout for a pair of these speakers on the second hand market for some time but the rarely appear.

@richardramorino3319

2 жыл бұрын

@James Wright I have the Elba2. They have gone up in price $800 in last 2 months. They sound very much like rhe Sonus Faber Cremonas I used to have, but with more control. My friend heard my Elbas and immediately went back to DC and ordered the Certaldo’s. Good luck

@jatkins12

2 жыл бұрын

I'm running the NAD M33 with the KEF LS50's. Both with a REL T5 sub on each. I like the sound but I fear I don't know what I don't know. I don't think I'm at that "audiophile quality sound" quite yet. But I think I might be close. Room size 13'2" x 12'7" with the speakers 3' off the short wall, ceiling height at 9'. How do I get a judgement opinion from someone who would know what to listen for and how to adjust things, any ideas?

I use the Peachtree amp500 and LOVE it! 500 wpc into 8 ohms!

@khoi83

2 жыл бұрын

Not wellknown power amp though, but Tharbamar reviewed it for those who are interested.

Hi Thomas - Have you tried this amp a second time with the LRS?? Also, can you suggest another Class D amp for the LRS? Thank you.

Purifi based Class D amps is the ones I so far enjoy the most with my setup. Both diy and premade ( like vtx ). When looking at pure measurement, the purifi units seems to "win" hands down as well. Measurement isent everything ofc, but in this case it blends well with my own listening experience :) I never tested a Texas Instruments based amp. So this peak my interest. Great review :D

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Yup, I have 2 purifi amp as well, really nice.

@trehansid

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo which purify amp do you have

@petekutheis3822

Жыл бұрын

Have an Audiophonics on the way to try out.

I noticed mr vintage has a musical paradise mp701 preamp...any chance you'll review it??

Yes, please more testing with Maggie’s

What pre amp do you recommend if I want to listen from my 4K tv with HDMI out to pair with this class D amp? I’m on a budget.

Hello Thomas. I know this is an older video, but still great!, My question is how do you think this would pair with the new Magnepan LRS+'s ? Thanks for the input.

@ThomasAndStereo

3 ай бұрын

It should work well.

This sounds like it could be a good pairing for my Polk LSiM 703s (feel these bookshelves can do more with a better partner than my Marantz SR6014).

Had a flash image form in my head at one point, with no face to reference, Mr Vintage was dressed totally in bright gleaming white, wide lappeled jacket & wide flared bright white trousers & big collars on his white shirt, like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever" ... one arm stretched out straight & high with index finger pointing to the ceiling, the other arm doing the same in the downwards direction, his body in the middle of a twist with white open jacket flaying outwards in a mid-disco gyrational twirl ...21 Sansui's, wow!

I wonder how much difference there is between this and the Ayima A07 (TPA3255) and a good PSU......

Thank you Thomas, excellent as usual. I have heard that McIntosh is working on a class D amp. Have you heard anything?

@amb3cog

2 жыл бұрын

A McD?!😁

Hi Thomas! Love ❤️ when you cover gear that adds a little “MSG”! (Or even some Cayenne pepper! 🌶) what are those black bookshelf speakers in the background? They kinda look like Amphion Argon 1’s, but I can see the front logo/badge is different! Thank you! Great review bro!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Arendale speakers

One of these days, I have to go and listen to a really good class D amp. I haven't heard a good one yet and I attribute that to only being around Class A/B amps.

Lookin good Thomas. New Year, new hair cut! Happy Year of the Tiger!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Happy new year!

the board in this amp made by a guy name xrk in audio community group. powered by tpa3255 chip. you can also buy his ready to run module board.

Great video Thomas. Might have to try this one. I just tried the Purifi Eigentakt from VTV, but it's not for me. Too transparent, and doesn't like my old rock music. This sounds like more my style though. Once you said Led Zeppelin you got me. And, "similar to vintage Sansui", also. That's basically what I'm looking for, but in a new product, not something old and possibly unreliable. Not to mention all the other benefits one gets from modern technology. ✌️

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I see, well this amp is also transparent but the coloration might work for you. The only thing is it has a 15% restocking fee so it is a risk in that sense.

@amb3cog

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Umm Yea that's a bit high really. But I'll probably like it. I'm enjoying my Audiophonics Hypex right now. In fact I'm tempted to just be happy with this one really. And I've got other amps here too. But I'm looking for almost exactly what you described here. We'll see. Still waiting to get my money back from the VTV one right now anyway. And I feel bad having to do that to them. So I've been trying to find something on their site that will work for me. Maybe a higher powered Hypex, with an opamp buffer, and balanced inputs? Or Hypex monoblocks maybe? Arghh! The tyranny of choice!!! 🤣🤣🤣

I think you should review Primare's class D amps with UFDP technology,so entertaning

I would recommend that you test the XTZ Edge A2-400 using two of those Amps in passive vertical Bi-Amping mode.

@amb3cog

2 жыл бұрын

Why? In other words what traits does it have? Are you saying it has a similar presentation to this amp? I’m curious about both of these myself, after trying a VTV Purifi Eval amp, and deciding to send it back. Mainly because it doesn’t work well with my old rock and roll, and that’s what I listen to mostly nowadays. ✌️

@michaelwright1602

2 жыл бұрын

I have the XTZ A2-400 and I think it sounds very good with rock music on my KLH Model 5’s. I added my SVS SB3000 subs to the mix, they blend seamlessly with the speakers. I’m feeding the speakers and subs with the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 streamer/preamp via XLR and RCA. The sound is holographic with a HUGE soundstage. The speakers and subs disappear as the sound literally envelopes the room. I caught myself more than a few times looking over both shoulders for who or what made that sound. I cannot say if it is the XTZ or Cambridge DAC/preamp, or a combination of both. Most likely the latter. I am not missing the 5.2 system this new 2 component 2.2 channel system replaced. Very happy!

Hey Thomas, have you ever tested, or listened to the Audio Research DS450M mono amps, which are Class D amps? I’d love to get your full review on these amps, which are now about 10 years old. Keep up the good work!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Not yet!

Have you reviewed the starke ad4.320? I have two and love the sound even though they don't measure as advertised it would be nice to hear what you think

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

No I have not, hopefully one day.

Thomas - money aside, do you lean to the LSA Warp1 or the XTZ Sound Edge A2-300? I'll be running Zu Audio Omen II speakers. Thanks for these reviews as I'm new to this "sport"!

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I prefer the LSA but if you are getting a Zu, there are many options like tube amps too.

@eugenedoetsch5649

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you for your expertise and opinion. I have a Decware Tube Amp on the way but also want a "secondary" amp for a different listening experience and to take a little stress off the Decware when watching movies and TV in 2 channel. Thanks again.

Try out the Starke AD4 class D power amp. Jay the South Korean hifi dude reviewed it. He reckons it sounds amazing. It has two terroidal large transformers and it is like two monoblocks in a box. Almost a tube sound. For a similar price it is like twice the power @ 300 w into 8 ohms. I want one.

Thomas, in my experience spending more on an amp buys you more "palpability" thanks to better blackgrounds, separation and detail retrieval. After watching your video I got the impression your McIntosh is mostly "different" but not necessarily a lot better in these areas despite costing a lot more. Or am I mistaken?

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Although true, what the Mcintosh is good at is it does EVERYTHING well across the board. So it might not excel in any area, it is the sum of all parts that makes it a great amp. Therefore my own reference amp. I usually don't listen to it because I am so busy with other amps but I do enjoy it when I get a chance.

Please test the LRS!

Take the drive again Thomas,yes sir 😊

Giant leaps in Class D amps? I have an 'old' Wyred4Sound STI 500. This is a Class D based on the B&O ICE modules and it is amazing! Kent Johnson once tested it and said: "The STI-500 is very green, extremely good sounding, built to last, and very convenient. I have failed to acknowledge how much I like the preamplifier section for its flexibility and convenience since it just does its job without drawing attention to itself. In truth this amplifier doesn't draw any attention to itself with anything other than its exceptional sound. If Class D amps like the STI-500 are the future, then the future is going to be wonderful."

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Nice, I had the Wyred4sound ST250 and really liked it. Because of that a few of my friends bought the ST500 and ST1000

@hugoeilertsen4459

2 жыл бұрын

This is my third Class D, the first one being an Peachtree decco 125sky. That model was so good that l could not part from it completely, so l gave it to my sister. Going over to her place l am contantly reminded of how much l still like it!

@alskooper3319

2 жыл бұрын

The W4S ST500 is the best sounding (to me) amp on both pairs of my B&W speakers, N802’s and Concept 90’s. Both systems are fronted by tube preamps, Manley Shrimp in one, and VAC Renaissance in the other.

Would really enjoy if reviewed with LRS or other Magnepan speakers

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I will soon.

@Thomas, is the power input 120V only? Cant find any specs online

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I remember there is a switch at the back to switch between 120v and 220v. Check my first comment, it has an email and email them.

Hello Thomas, How does the LSA compare to the Peachtree GaN400 Power AMP you recently reviewed considering both are Class D.....

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Peachtree is more refined, darker background and better layering, more neutral while this one is more fun and more dynamic.

Hi Thomas, thanks for the review. As mentioned you have reviewed quite a number of Class D amplifier, I would really like to know which budget Class D amp (below $2000) that first come to your mind which you will surely recommend based on your own taste?

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I like many of the class D amp I have reviewed for different reasons. If you want a honest anwser, it depends on your speaker and preamp. It depends on your taste and the sound you are chasing after. They are all a bit different from each other and if you are after the perfect match, you need to know all this. Sure I can recommend you a class D amp but it does not mean you will get the best synergy in your system.

@cpaint69

2 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo I understand what you are saying but you have to understand my place does not have the luxury of 7 or 14 days money back guarantee if I do not like the sound of a particular amplifier I buy. So I would appreciate if you can recommend a personal favorite Class D amp based on all your encounter with all the Class D amp you have reviewed.

@robertthurston6858

2 жыл бұрын

What are your speakers, How big is your room and how much power do you want (watts) ?

@cpaint69

2 жыл бұрын

@@robertthurston6858 I am using my DIY 2 way speaker using SB Acoustic TeXtreme drivers, sensitivity should be around 87 or 88 dB. Room size will be around 200 sq ft . As for power, no preference, a good quality D Class amp with a slightly thicker mid range for vocal would be nice.

I would like to see you review the Technics SU G 700M2 integrated amp. It’s class D.

Hello Thomas The preamp in my digital system is in my experience (I'm over 70 and an audiophile since 18) the best I've heard. The associated poweramp is a good Class A from Victor Sima. I would like your opinion to add power : would you recommend the LSA Warp or Kinki Studio power/Integrated amp? Regards

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

If you are used to the Class A smooth sound, going to class D might be too much of a change.

Could you review Benchmark DAC and amps? I'm just curious what your take on them are.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

Hopefully one day.

Been awhile since you've uploaded this but if your reading, how would this unit compare to the Buchardt 1150 you recently talked about.

@ThomasAndStereo

Жыл бұрын

The I150 is a bit smoother while this one has a bit more muscle due to upper bass bump.

@JG-gg9wk

Жыл бұрын

@@ThomasAndStereo thank you.

Great 👍

You should try their speakers. I have there LSA Signature and it’s pretty darn fine.

@ThomasAndStereo

2 жыл бұрын

I know! They should send me.

Yes, drive to Mr. Kanta's place. I'll give you a pack of instant noodles for it! :-D