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

[rollo]

  I cannot find fault with the Living Sound Audio Warp-1 . Read the latest review in the Absolute Sound by Steven Stone.

charles

[Response Audio]

Class D can sound very good when using the proper input stage on them.  Many of the older versions had a very low input impedance and high sensitivity. Simply connecting a preamp to a Class D amp does not always provide the results we want. I have been listening to many versions including those with solid state input buffers that are used only for impedance matching but still don’t provide what I am looking for in Class D.
I have been working with these for some time and finally came up with an input stage that brings out the potential of Class D while providing the sonics we look for in amplification. The key is to design a front end that is optimized for the amp being used. For me, it’s done with tubes which is what we have been working on the past couple years. Now we’re ready.
I am still a tube guy and 90% of what we do is tubes but there is something about hybrid amplification that that I can’t stay away from. 

[jimbones]

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.

Mark, Belated Welcome. So this is interesting. You like the LSA better than the Bel Canto? The BC were on my list but I could not find that many owners. If you could expand on this I would appreciate it. Thanks

[shadowlight]

Jim,

Depending on your budget some other GaN based amps to look up are AGD Audio, Merrill Audio, Orchid Audio and Peachtree Audio.  Outside of the usual suspects from Hypex nCore, Purifi and Ice based amps.  I would have added Digital Audio Company (DAC) but I do not know where the company stands since Tommy’s passing.

Personally, i have stopped looking at standalone amps and going down the integrated route going forward.  Right now, i go back and forth between the Vinnie Rossi LIO with 30 watt amp section and Ming Da 300b 8w setup.

[rollo]

 The LSA GAN Amp did not get the same praise in the reviews as the Warp-1. Being revised. Yes agree a tubed preamp is a necessity with class "D". Saying that my all time favorite is the Arion hybrid mono blocks. Using a 6H30 input tube. 5x more money.

charles

[P.I.]

The LSA GAN Amp did not get the same praise in the reviews as the Warp-1. Being revised. Yes agree a tubed preamp is a necessity with class "D". Saying that my all time favorite is the Arion hybrid mono blocks. Using a 6H30 input tube. 5x more money.

charles

The Reflektor 6H30 ytube is a monster!  Best preamp tube I ever had in my Cary pre, for sure.  Gary Dodd's preamp with the 6H30 is great, too.

[ejk]

So far I'm happy with my Rogue Sphinx V3 integrated. It has a tube front end. No that's a lie, The Orchard was better and changed my mind. But first NAD Purifi amp is in the house for a test run. Then decisions.

[rollo]

The LSA GAN Amp did not get the same praise in the reviews as the Warp-1. Being revised. Yes agree a tubed preamp is a necessity with class "D". Saying that my all time favorite is the Arion hybrid mono blocks. Using a 6H30 input tube. 5x more money.

charles

The Reflektor 6H30 ytube is a monster!  Best preamp tube I ever had in my Cary pre, for sure.  Gary Dodd's preamp with the 6H30 is great, too.
[/q
 Yes Sir.
Using NOS Reflectors

charles

[jimbones]

So I do have a tube preamp that will be feeding this new amp. I did demo the NAD M33 (using just the power amp portion line in) It was very good indeed. It uses the Purifi Modules. I am waiting to get hear some impressions on the Peachtree GAN400. It is surprising how little is written about it.

[ejk]

So I do have a tube preamp that will be feeding this new amp. I did demo the NAD M33 (using just the power amp portion line in) It was very good indeed. It uses the Purifi Modules. I am waiting to get hear some impressions on the Peachtree GAN400. It is surprising how little is written about it.

I replied to your PM. As far as the Gan400 I think most people are going towards the Gan1

[ejk]

So I do have a tube preamp that will be feeding this new amp. I did demo the NAD M33 (using just the power amp portion line in) It was very good indeed. It uses the Purifi Modules. I am waiting to get hear some impressions on the Peachtree GAN400. It is surprising how little is written about it.

Did you use the Dirac live? and if so, how is it

[jimbones]

No I used my RP7 line in to the NAD. Was very impressed with the few days I had it. It is lively but not sterile or harsh. Micro detail galore

[ejk]

No I used my RP7 line in to the NAD. Was very impressed with the few days I had it. It is lively but not sterile or harsh. Micro detail galore

Wait till you demo the Orchard

[jimbones]

Yea I'm pretty far down the list lol

[jimbones]

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

Yes after Thanksgiving, lets coordinate