Class D (PWM) Amplifiers

[Josh]

I finally found the amp I want. After doing much research (mostly via wikipedia) I have decide to go with a Class D amp. I like the fact that they are efficient (less heat and no fan noise) and have no signature (what goes it comes out).

Anyone have any experience with these types of amps? What types of speakers do their pair up with well? Any particular brands I should be aware of (I think I'm pretty much sold on a D-Sonic)?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Josh

I finally found the amp I want. After doing much research (mostly via wikipedia) I have decide to go with a Class D amp. I like the fact that they are efficient (less heat and no fan noise) and have no signature (what goes it comes out).

Anyone have any experience with these types of amps? What types of speakers do their pair up with well? Any particular brands I should be aware of (I think I'm pretty much sold on a D-Sonic)?

Many (most) of to day's receivers use Class D amps, which is how they're able to pack so much ampl power into such small packages. Of course, most receiver manufacturers will use some TradeMarked name instead of Class D, but you get the point.... ;-)

High End audio mag, The Absolute Sound, had a special report on Class D amplification a year or two ago (Issue 166, November 2006). Many of the people in the discussion expressed reservations about the sound quality of Class D amps, but bare in mind we're talking about high end audiophiles here, who's priorities are different from the average HT enthusiast.

Certainly, when it comes to packing a lot of power into a small space, Class D is probably the way to go, but maybe not for higher fidelity especially if space/heat constraints are not a premium. In other words, investigate but caveat emptor...

[RUR]

Class D amps have a devoted group of followers, whose motives are suspect, IMHO. Many others find them to have a harsh and/or grainy top-end.

Josh, 2ch amp or multi? Do you have a budget? Are you willing to buy reliable used gear off, say, A-gon?

[Josh]

7-channel multi. I'm in "dream" phase right now, so as long as its not a Mcintosh, I'm good to go. Used gear is fine.

By grainy top end, do you mean highs? or do you mean when cranked? With all that power, I doubt I'll ever beable to use it all.

[RUR]

Yes, high-frequencies and especially when cranked.

Give me a bit to come up with some likely 7ch amp suggestions.

[RUR]

OK, here's a couple which won't break the bank:

Sunfire TG7200 http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/clt....ult&1217895886
$2K new and may be found more cheaply used with a little patience. Note that Sunfire provides current and voltage outputs so that you may choose between warmer or more analytical sound.

Aragon 2007 http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....ult&1222805203
This one's wrapped up with a pre/pro, but may be found separately pretty easily. Aragon makes excellent amps.

[Josh]

Originally Posted by RUR

OK, here's a couple which won't break the bank:

Sunfire TG7200 http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/clt....ult&1217895886
$2K new and may be found more cheaply used with a little patience. Note that Sunfire provides current and voltage outputs so that you may choose between warmer or more analytical sound.

Aragon 2007 http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....ult&1222805203
This one's wrapped up with a pre/pro, but may be found separately pretty easily. Aragon makes excellent amps.

I heard many good things about the Sunfire, but I also heard it has a signature. I like the idea of Class D because of its lack of signature. Plus, the Sunfire TGA is getting replaced soon. I'll look at the Aragon.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Josh

I heard many good things about the Sunfire, but I also heard it has a signature. I like the idea of Class D because of its lack of signature. Plus, the Sunfire TGA is getting replaced soon. I'll look at the Aragon.

I wouldn't say that Class D amps have no signature. The grainy top end that RUR & I mentioned is such a signature.

'Course the trouble is, it's getting quite hard to buy a reasonably priced receiver which doesn't use Class D amps these days. *Shrug*

Another brand to check out is Nuforce.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by richteer

I wouldn't say that Class D amps have no signature. The grainy top end that RUR & I mentioned is such a signature.

'Course the trouble is, it's getting quite hard to buy a reasonably priced receiver which doesn't use Class D amps these days. *Shrug*

Another brand to check out is Nuforce.

Others have described Class D's as "flat and lifeless" when compared to competent Class A or A/B.

I'm not familiar with Nuforce, but they seem to be getting excellent reviews. 7 (vs. 5) channels is surprisingly limiting.

Josh, if I do a little fast math based on the A-gon listings, it looks like an Aragon should be ~$1,500, which is a terrific value.