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

[jimbones]

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]

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]

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

[HAL]

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]

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]

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

[rodge827]

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)]

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

[rollo]

  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]

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]

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]

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.