what is the best sounding Class D amp you've ever heard

jimbones · February 07, 2021, 12:20:28 PM

Considering a move to Class D as my back can't lift to heavy an amp anymore. I'm afraid that they still can not compete with a good Class AB. Your thoughts?

Nick B · February 07, 2021, 01:46:07 PM

I'm certainly sympathetic to your situation

The upgraded Mivera clone I have is pretty good and they go used for $650 - over $800. But, for me it's lacking midrange warmth so I'm moving on. The DAC amps and Leo's Orchard Audio Starkrimson monos have received favorable comments. Charles raves about the Arion HS Monos, which are Class D and utilize a 6H30. It's one of 3 amps I'm considering. The retail for those is over $6k and that's why I'm looking for a used pair....

Folsom · February 07, 2021, 03:08:37 PM

TPA3116 is pretty nice but isn't dynamic on all speakers.

HAL · February 07, 2021, 03:50:53 PM

The Orchard Audio original BOSC amps.

The new Starkrimson version has the high input impedance where the originals are low input impedance. I drive them with a balanced connection so the low works well for my setup.

mdconnelly · February 08, 2021, 10:28:44 AM

I echo the Orchard Audio recommendations. I also was able to listen to the Arion HS monos - albeit maybe 5-6 years ago - and they were amazing and definitely lived up to Charles' raves. Check arionaudio.com

Charles, I now see the Mike K (Arion) has a line of speakers. May have to take a listen at some point.

jimbones · February 08, 2021, 02:31:16 PM

Thanks for the idea's I will research them. I should have stated my budget at roughly 3500-4k (used is OK)

rodge827 · February 09, 2021, 04:44:18 PM

The Digital Amplifier Company 2 Cherry is exceptional. I have owned a few of the DAC amps and the 2 Cherry is in a class of its own. Very quiet, detailed, exceptional bass and very smooth sounding. Tommy really out did himself with this amp. I sold it since I found a great deal on 300b monos I've wanted for a long time. Wish I didn't need to sell the 2 Cherry it gave the 300b monos a serious run.

Barry (NJ) · February 10, 2021, 12:02:07 PM

What do you, listen for in, want out of, your system?

rollo · February 13, 2021, 08:07:45 AM

The Arion HS 500 hybrid. 500W into 8 Ohm 1000W into 4 Ohm. Uses a 6H30 input tube. Military grade power supply used in submarines so it is VERY quiet. I used the m for the Pipedreams if you remember. Not dry, thin , bright or hard sounding.

charles

jimbones · February 13, 2021, 02:20:13 PM

Quote from: Barry (NJ) on February 10, 2021, 12:02:07 PM
What do you, listen for in, want out of, your system?

Listen to Jazz and Rock, not much classical. I like a full weighty midrange. Not a dry thin sound. My current amp is awesome but someday I will replace it. Not urgent but I like to understand the Class D technology and what it has to offer. BTW, I don't need stupid power, I am using a 130 watt amp now (Wells Innamorata). I was also wondering if Class D watts are the same as Class AB watts. No Joke, I have some experience with class D amps that claim 500wpc and I have to crank the volume to get anything out of it.

toobluvr · February 13, 2021, 04:29:26 PM

Quote from: jimbones on February 13, 2021, 02:20:13 PM
Quote from: Barry (NJ) on February 10, 2021, 12:02:07 PM
What do you, listen for in, want out of, your system?

...... No Joke, I have some experience with class D amps that claim 500wpc and I have to crank the volume to get anything out of it.

That's not necessarily a power shortfall.

It most likely means the amp is hard to drive (ie: it has a very high input sensitivity). For example, the amp may be able to deliver 1000wpc when driven to full output, but if it takes say 4 volts input to get it to full output, you will never be able to use all its potential horsepower. Since most sources only output 2 volts max, the amp will "feel" like it lacks power because only a fraction of its rated power is being produced.

jimbones · February 14, 2021, 03:40:51 PM

Quote from: toobluvr on February 13, 2021, 04:29:26 PM
Quote from: jimbones on February 13, 2021, 02:20:13 PM
Quote from: Barry (NJ) on February 10, 2021, 12:02:07 PM
What do you, listen for in, want out of, your system?

...... No Joke, I have some experience with class D amps that claim 500wpc and I have to crank the volume to get anything out of it.

That's not necessarily a power shortfall.

I understand but it seems that was the case with multiple amps I tried in the past.

It most likely means the amp is hard to drive (ie: it has a very high input sensitivity). For example, the amp may be able to deliver 1000wpc when driven to full output, but if it takes say 4 volts input to get it to full output, you will never be able to use all its potential horsepower. Since most sources only output 2 volts max, the amp will "feel" like it lacks power because only a fraction of its rated power is being produced.

Mark Muse · August 08, 2022, 07:02:06 AM

I'm currently using a LSA GaN 350 (Bricasti M3 > ARC Ref 6 SE > LSA > Fyne F1-8). I'm quite happy with it. Nothing thin or dry about it. Smooth, detailed, slightly warm. And the price is right. Previous amp was a pair of Bel Canto REF600M mono blocks. These were pretty good, but a little dark, not as smooth, and less dimensional.

Nick B · August 08, 2022, 07:22:47 AM

Hi Mark,

I see it's your first post. Welcome to AN.

Nick

rollo · August 11, 2022, 12:17:30 PM

Jim you need to hear the LSA Warp-1. $1200 retail. I am not a dealer. I have one come over one day. A little killer.

charles