What's wrong with Class-D?

[jackinnj]

I've been keeping up with the reviews, and was struck by Kal Rubinson's comments about the Anthem Statement M-1 because it was very similar to what I heard from a fellow from a group out here -- a different Class-D amp, highly acclaimed in the press -- and the owner sent it back after a week. There was something "undeniably wrong" with the bass in both cases.

Seems that there's a rush of enthusiasm, but after more than a few days of critical listening nagging thoughts start to creep in.

[Tekko]

Most class d fall short in the higher registers and are still today mostly used for bass(subwoofers) only.

What class d exist in fullrange stereo equipment today that is not homemade is what marketing impose on us through the cheap featherweight all plastic fancy looking stereos that everyone seem to want.

Everyone seem to care more about looks than sound quality these days :/

[kuribo]

Perhaps you might want to investigate Hypex's ncore amps.

[Pano]

Rubbish.

Not the amps, the statements.

[cotdt]

Hard to generalize because different Class D amps sound different. Hypex amps are a class above all the other Class D amps, and can be considered with the best. While to me Class A amps such as certain Pass Labs amps or a good SET amp would trounce any Class D amp in musicality, we head more into the subjective category. In sheer resolution, Class D amps are up there.

[Budgie]

My first foray into class d just happened, with a cheap Sure board. Out of the box it sounded good and with minor mods it easily beats the more powerful AB amp I was using. I will be moving up to better boards soon, but I think class D amps will stay in my system. So, I don't think there is anything wrong with class D, other than some peoples preconceived notions clouding their judgment.

[jackinnj]

Originally Posted by Pano

Rubbish.

Hey, I'm not the one who asked the question in the first place. Just repeating the query in Michael Fremer's review of the ML#53 in the same issue. Mark Levinson Company describes some of the issues, and how their interleaved technology approaches them:
http://www.marklevinson.com/download...10_5.17.10.pdf

The Anthem review does point out the serious the pitfalls of Class-D, and I wonder how many DIYr's would be able to recognize the problem, let alone cure it. Perhaps it's just one amp in the greater world of amp-dom.

It's a serious question, not an attempt to just throw a brick through someone's window.

[john dozier]

Mr. Fremer is a Luddite of the first water. There is nothing wrong with Class D except preconceptions by some. As with any high frequency device, board layout is critical and that is still more of an art than a science. Regards

[jackinnj]

Originally Posted by john dozier

Mr. Fremer is a Luddite of the first water. There is nothing wrong with Class D except preconceptions by some. As with any high frequency device, board layout is critical and that is still more of an art than a science. Regards

Do you similarly consider Kal or Atkinson to be Luddites?

[john dozier]

Not necessarily, but they do have commercial axes to grind.