Switched to Class D or get left behind?

[RepublicOfTexas69]

Nope.

Okay……

 

[RepublicOfTexas69]

Why does it matter if it’s Class A, AB, D or tube (triode, Ultralinear, OTL) if it sounds good to you? No one is getting left behind by choosing any of these classes of amps as none of them are taking over any time soon … so sit back with your favorite beverage and tunes and enjoy which ever class you prefer!

Cheers

George

Agree 1000% I own all the topologies mentioned as well as class G and love them all each has their own unique characteristics

 

[RepublicOfTexas69]

Not correct, I happen to agree with him. It was either earlier in this thread or the other one I posted a response from AI which gave valid reasons why someone would be sensitive to certain aspects of Class D. People hear differently and listen at various intensities. I just read a post where a guy admitted he had his preamp in mono for almost a week. I can't take anything this guy says about sound serious anymore. To put someone down because they hear something different than you or have a different opinion is just being a jerk.

Who? What guy? @Catastrofe? Who’s being a jerk?

 

[Feanor]

Why does it matter if it’s Class A, AB, D or tube (triode, Ultralinear, OTL) if it sounds good to you? No one is getting left behind by choosing any of these classes of amps as none of them are taking over any time soon … so sit back with your favorite beverage and tunes and enjoy which ever class you prefer!

Cheers

George

Is anyone really questioning a person's right to listen to any amp technology they enjoy?

I think not. I do appreciated our OP linking us to Ralph Karsten's comments. Ralph made highly regarded tube equipment for years and still does. Ralph's reputation and achievements make his opinions worthy of consideration

 

[gadawg]

Is anyone really questioning a person's right to listen to any amp technology they enjoy?

I think not. I do appreciated our OP linking us to Ralph Karsten's comments. Ralph made highly regarded tube equipment for years and still does. Ralph's reputation and achievements make his opinions worthy of consideration

Well the title of the thread states switched to class D or get left behind? That insinuates very strongly that is the class of choice which for me at least it is not. That doesn't mean it isn't for someone else but i certainly dont' feel left behind.

Cheers!

George

 

[W9TR]

Power amplifiers have gotten so good that differences in specific units are more significant than differences in their topology & class.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

I'm going on record as saying when it comes to amps / preamps (streamer / DAC's excluded of course), the more we 'improve' with technology, the further from the soul of music we go.

It's an over simplification of course. However when I look at currently out of ALL the gear I've owned, heard, and bought - regardless of price range - one of the top best of the best is a simple hand wired type 45 mono block using vintage NOS Tamura transformers. Nothing special. Nothing crazy. No cutting edge 0.000000% claimed measurements.

Just the soul of music with the insight, ebb and flow, and emotion very, very few can replicate.

Of course it's just my opinion and I'm not claiming it as fact. If someone else is happy with a different amp / topology then that other amp is the right one for them.

But oh the sound of 1931 Cunningham type 45 tubes is a sound to behold.....

 

[garylkoh]

I'm going on record as saying when it comes to amps / preamps (streamer / DAC's excluded of course), the more we 'improve' with technology, the further from the soul of music we go.

That's because to some designers, the measurements matter more than the experience. The latest Class D modules all have more and more feedback to measure better and better at the detriment of music. Then the measurement folks gaslight the listening folks and say that what we hear is not measurable.

 

[Mr Peabody]

Power amplifiers have gotten so good that differences in specific units are more significant than differences in their topology & class.

If I understand what you are saying I agree. As an example Pass Labs is as close to solid state sounding like tubes that I have heard and conversely Octave Audio a tube amp comes probably as close to solid state as I've heard. I'm actually a fan of both.

People claim certain Class D sounds like tubes or Class A I have yet to hear that. A few years back I heard AGD at the show and thought it was smooth and the best I've ever heard Class D. It was the first GAN I heard. In order to say if I'd use one I'd need to hear one in my system.

 

[Hear Here]

Why does it matter if it’s Class A, AB, D or tube (triode, Ultralinear, OTL) if it sounds good to you? No one is getting left behind by choosing any of these classes of amps as none of them are taking over any time soon … so sit back with your favorite beverage and tunes and enjoy which ever class you prefer!

Cheers

George

I agree entirely, but my multi-amp home tests after deciding to move away from SETs resulted in a top podium for a first-class Class D amp. An AB was a close second and an A took the bronze, but the latter 2 were double the price. Certainly Class D offers best value and is unlikely to be beaten for sound quality with less than 2 or 3 times the budget.

 

[Mr Peabody]

I agree entirely, but my multi-amp home tests after deciding to move away from SETs resulted in a top podium for a first-class Class D amp. An AB was a close second and an A took the bronze, but the latter 2 were double the price. Certainly Class D offers best value and is unlikely to be beaten for sound quality with less than 2 or 3 times the budget.

IN YOUR OPINION. May you enjoy what you enjoy

 

[W9TR]

If I understand what you are saying I agree. As an example Pass Labs is as close to solid state sounding like tubes that I have heard and conversely Octave Audio a tube amp comes probably as close to solid state as I've heard. I'm actually a fan of both.

People claim certain Class D sounds like tubes or Class A I have yet to hear that. A few years back I heard AGD at the show and thought it was smooth and the best I've ever heard Class D. It was the first GAN I heard. In order to say if I'd use one I'd need to hear one in my system.

These are the good old days in audio. So many excellent choices out there. I was surprised that my Purify Class D amp would sound the same as my McIntosh MC 602. But it did. I haven’t dipped my toe in SET waters as my speakers are too inefficient. But that may change, who knows? It’s all good fun.