Anyone end up with cheap class d?

[ericuco]

43 minutes ago, Mike Rubin said:

I have asked this before, but haven't heard anything more on this specific topic for awhile. 

 

I have been a Class D owner for years.  My current amp is an original generation Wyred 4 Sound STI-500 that is based on the B&O ICE modules that, I gather, haven't been updated for quite awhile. There is nothing wrong with it and it meets my preference for an integrated form factor, no internal DAC or streamer (because I need to know that I can continue to play Native DSD), at least one balanced input set, and multiple RCA inputs for phono and the Chromecast Audio that is my backup digital source when my steamer setup is behaving dickishly.  I would like to consider upgrading to more current tech, especially given the raves I see in current reviews of Class D amplification. 

 

Unfortunately, I mostly have seen the current Class D modules offered in power amps. Have any of you seen them appear in integrateds similar to the W4S? I know that NAD offers some but that company's DAC inputs don't support Native DSD playback and I don't want to pay for a DAC that I will bypass with an external DAC connected via balanced outputs. (My Okto only has balanced outputs.). Technics also has a $10k amp that I understand to be Class D but I really would like to stay both less expensive and physically massive. 

 

Am I looking for a unicorn? 

There are several companies that have incorporated the Hypex and Purifi class D modules into a number of different configurations (e.g., mono blocks, integrated, multi-channel).

 

Nord and Apollon are two well known companies. I had a pair of Nord mono blocks based on the Hypex NC500 modules for years and happy with. Purifi modules gets really good reviews here on AS. Both Hypex and Purifi modules were designed by Bruno Putzey(?) who also did work for Mola Mola.

 

On the higher end, Rogue Audio has the Dragon and Sphinx hybrid amps. Atma Sphere just released a Class D amp.

 

Lot of options and price points.

[ericuco]

13 minutes ago, Mike Rubin said:

Thanks. Any specific integrated configuration to which you can steer me? Google hasn't been helpful and I would rather stay away from separates (such as power amps without preamplification and multiple inputs) due both to cabling requirements and to cabinet space and power outlet limitations. 

Here is what Nord offers. Doesn’t look like Apollon offers integrated amps. Rogue Audio Sphinx is hybrid (tubes and Class D).

 

I don’t have experience with these particular amps.

[ericuco]

3 hours ago, PYP said:

It is interesting to me that Atma-Sphere, a company known for valves, now offers a Class D amp

Rogue Audio is another traditional valve company that now offers Class D amp (Hypex) products. Their Dragon amp was a recent TAS amp of the year.

 

Speaking of Atma-Sphere, I was using one of their tube amps to drive a pair of Quad ESL speakers. Happened to talk to Roger Sanders (Sanders Sound Systems) at RMAF about my setup and he pointed out that the Atma-Sphere amp were a poor match for the Quads. Soon after, I switched to DIY Hypex Ncore amps and was floored by the difference, especially on the high-end.