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Class D amp and integrated recommendations

Raphaz

Raphaz

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
I’m aware that there are already threads about Class D amplification here on AK and elsewhere, but I was wondering if folks here have experience with some of the latest D class gear they’d be willing to share.

I’m transitioning from a vintage R-2000 that was recently serviced and repaired, but already has issues again. I really like its sound signature and the headroom, the clear, clean, powerful sound when it works properly. But it just failed one too many times on me now. What’s the joy in that when you’re not a tech tinkerer? Besides, some parts become increasingly hard to find.

So I started looking into D Class. Measurements and reviews seem to suggest that, with some of the latest GaN, Nilai, Hypex, NCore X and Purifi based offerings, I may get the performance I’m looking for with a moderate budget. But I’m neither super tech savvy nor do I have experience with D class.
I was hoping to get more insight here as to what to look for and how to make sound (pun intended) decisions.

It’s a bit early in the game for me but I was hoping to keep the budget for amplification plus pre below $ 1,400.
Not sure yet how much additional dough I need to fork out for periphery on top of that. I’m hoping to integrate streamer, DAC, transmitter, switch box and sources from my current system, but who knows...

Can statements be made already about longevity, maintenance, repairability, and availability of parts… or is D Class still just “go cheap, enjoy and throw away?”

As some of the leading D Class vendors and makers are rather entrepreneurial and boutique (vs big box brands) and the tech still evolving, are lemons rare occurrences or rather common? What are your experiences with customer support and warranty?

Is there already a used market for D Class worth exploring?

Besides the core amplification modules, since these still need to be enclosed and connected, what else do I look for, what are other crucial factors influencing sound quality?

Should I go separates, integrated or are there any good D Class receiver options by now?
Is it worth investing in mono blocks? Is there enough audible difference compared to dual mono or even “conventional stereo?”

Generally, are there differences when driving speakers with D vs good old AB class? What do I need to consider for a good match. Does impedance still matter when driving speakers with Class D power?

And of course, I don’t know what I don’t know, so I’m all ears for any tips and suggestions.

Thanks in advance.
 
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If you want to get a taste of what affordable Class D amps can deliver then spend $100-$150 (depending on sale specials) and buy a Fosi ZA3 amp. Then, if you like it, you can buy another one and run each as a mono blocks. If you don't like it you are only out $150. I went this route and ended up buying a second ZA3 and Fosi's ZD3 DAC which ended up taking the place of a NAD 7600 receiver I had been using. There are other brands to consider besides Fosi. Many of Fosi' amps, DACs, pre-amps, etc. allow easy op-amp swapping, XLR connections, etc. to further improve sound quality.
 
I've got two Fosi V3 Stereo units and have been very happy with them. Mine have less than three years on them so I really can't comment on longevity or serviceability since I have not had a problem. Mine are dead silent and turn on/off with zero pops. They have a solid, well made fell with good fit and finish. My only minor gripe would be the pitch of the speaker terminals do not allow dual-banana jacks and spacing is tight.

Class D amps, like all others, have differing abilities to drive low impedance. You will have to go over the specs of the units that you are considering.

I agree with post #3 in that I think the price-point allows you to experiment without a ton of investment.
 
The Rouge Audio Sphinx integrated maybe. It would be something I'd consider were I looking. It is a hybrid though: tube preamp and class D power amp. A new version 3 is a little above your price point but a used version 2 should be well within reach. NAD seems to have moved strongly into class D. The cheap class D options seem to be chip amps, though I think maybe the biggest issue is the limited space for connecting different sources.
 
OldJBL said:
If you want to get a taste of what affordable Class D amps can deliver then spend $100-$150 (depending on sale specials) and buy a Fosi ZA3 amp. Then, if you like it, you can buy another one and run each as a mono blocks. If you don't like it you are only out $150. I went this route and ended up buying a second ZA3 and Fosi's ZD3 DAC which ended up taking the place of a NAD 7600 receiver I had been using. There are other brands to consider besides Fosi. Many of Fosi' amps, DACs, pre-amps, etc. allow easy op-amp swapping, XLR connections, etc. to further improve sound quality.
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This.


I've got two ZA 03s one of which is on virtually 24/7 driving 6 different pair of speakers simultaniously (via a good russound autoformer switcher) and one that drives my infinity ren 90s, and they sound mighty fine.

I've also got a fosi bt30pro driving a couple pairs of M&K speakers without a hitch, and one driving a pair of Focal/JM labs Cobalts without issue.


I also have three lepai chip amps that are ~10 years old still kicking, so for me, chip amps are succeeding in the longevity department.

most of them I have a preamp in front of, Bryston is my main but I also have apt holmann, and a topping in front of one.
 
The older Bel Canto products from the early 2000s use ICE amps. Bel Canto did a good job of making them sound warm and musical. They are not particularly dynamic. But honestly, they sound great! The build quality of Bel Canto gear is admirable. Elegant half sized with thick almost suede like aluminum face plates. To me, worth the price. You can get the older units at bargain prices. I would love to have a set of their old 500 watt mono blocks for about $1200.
 
Thank you. All good advice.
It makes sense to test the waters with more affordable options before investing a ton. Something to thinks about.
On that note:
Is there a significant, audible difference between Purifi, NCore X (and the like) based amps versus TPA3255 based amps?
I’m just curious if the price difference is worth it.
 
I guess whatever D amp I’ll pick should have a sub or pre out to power my sub —unless that could be added in other ways.

I wonder if I’ll need a preamp as well.
For tt, cd and other sources I currently have a phono pre and a switch box before a Wiim Pro+. The Pro+ streams, goes out to the receiver, transmits to two sets of remote powered speakers, while the current receiver powers the mains and the sub.
 
If I were looking for a class D integrated, I'd check out the Wiim Amp Ultra or the Eversolo Play. Otherwise, separates offer a little more flexibility, at a slightly higher cost.
 
I thought about the Ultra. I’m already in the Wiim cosmos. I use the Pro+ for streaming and to transmit to two pairs of active remotes connected to Minis. I’m pretty happy with the Wiim products for what I use them.
So I guess the Ultra would fit in nicely.
On the other hand I don’t want redundancy either. What I don’t understand, though, is why the Ultra does not support AirPlay 2, which the Pro+ does. If not for that the Ultra could replace the Pro+ and be a good all-in-one solution.

It’s really about D amplification with an integrated or separate clean, neutral, intake/switching for sources. And I need enough clean power as the main speakers (currently looking for more efficient speakers as well) have to fill a large, open space.

I guess one of the first decisions I have to make is if I can withstand the intrigue to go with well-built, top D class, NCoreX or Eigentakt based power, or if I should test the waters with decent lower cost D power, based on something like a TPA3255.
That’s why I was wondering if there a is big, audible difference between those two “categories?” Anyone had a chance to compare?
Yes, I know, it also matters how well the rest around it is built, but for argument’s sake, let’s assume the same build quality.
 
Raphaz said:
I guess one of the first decisions I have to make is if I can withstand the intrigue to go with well-built, top D class, NCoreX or Eigentakt based power, or if I should test the waters with decent lower cost D power, based on something like a TPA3255.
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Testing the waters on a proven TPS3255 based amp like a Fosi ZA3, a pair of V3 Monos or something similar would be an inexpensive way to go. There are many people here on AK that have moved to these amps from many types of more conventional gear and are using a wide range of speakers. Even if you don't go the TPA3255, I think you will use it in some way in a secondary system.
 
Raphaz said:
Can statements be made already about longevity, maintenance, repairability, and availability of parts… or is D Class still just “go cheap, enjoy and throw away?”
Click to expand...

You asked a lot of good questions. I still have not upgraded to class D. What I do know is that, except for some deoxit maintenance, my really cheap Lepai Tripath amp is still going strong after many years and have for the most part replaced my Adcom and NAD power amps. My philosophy is to buy cheap if it works. I am still not convinced that the higher priced class D amps of yesteryear have anything to offer over the new Fosi units, other than the price differential that leads owners to believe they must be better. I would rather invest in transducers where a difference can really make a difference. Just my opinion.
 
Raphaz said:
I thought about the Ultra. I’m already in the Wiim cosmos. I use the Pro+ for streaming and to transmit to two pairs of active remotes connected to Minis. I’m pretty happy with the Wiim products for what I use them.
So I guess the Ultra would fit in nicely.
On the other hand I don’t want redundancy either. What I don’t understand, though, is why the Ultra does not support AirPlay 2, which the Pro+ does. If not for that the Ultra could replace the Pro+ and be a good all-in-one solution.

It’s really about D amplification with an integrated or separate clean, neutral, intake/switching for sources. And I need enough clean power as the main speakers (currently looking for more efficient speakers as well) have to fill a large, open space.

I guess one of the first decisions I have to make is if I can withstand the intrigue to go with well-built, top D class, NCoreX or Eigentakt based power, or if I should test the waters with decent lower cost D power, based on something like a TPA3255.
That’s why I was wondering if there a is big, audible difference between those two “categories?” Anyone had a chance to compare?
Yes, I know, it also matters how well the rest around it is built, but for argument’s sake, let’s assume the same build quality.
Click to expand...
I have a friend with the Wiim amp pro. We did some comparisons to a respectable AB amp and a Bryston pre. The sound was different. Slightly mid forward and not quite as refined, but overall the Wiim amp performed very respectably. I would not hesitate to buy one if I was in the market. It is a bargain.
 
i have a couple Fosi V3 monoblocs running with a Chinese tube type pre- and could not be happier. in the past I've used a Crown XLS 2501 with great satisfaction
 
Fosi V3 monos driving the top end of my bi amp speakers.
Bottom end is a traditional amp. If it gave me trouble, Id replace it w 2 more V 3 monos.
I'm running it all thru a traditional pre.
I have heard the Rogue Sphinx & its quite nice.
Good luck.
 
stoutblock said:
What speakers are you driving?
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For the mains I currently still use a pair of KEF Q500, but I’m on the hunt for something with more room filling sensitivity for my large space (without increasing the footprint too much). I started another thread about that quest a while ago.
 
Raphaz said:
For the mains I currently still use a pair of KEF Q500, but I’m on the hunt for something with more room filling sensitivity for my large space (without increasing the footprint too much). I started another thread about that quest a while ago.
Click to expand...
The Q500 should work well in a fairly large space? For a modest sum a pair of Fosi V3 monos will give you a taste of what is possible. For a little more your could buy four of them and bi-amp the speakers. I think you will be impressed with the power and drive of a decent class D amp. Unlike most class D amps, the V3 monos perform well independent of the impedance of the speakers.

For a bit more coin, and an amp that handles the more delicate content in tracks, you may try something that uses Purifi modules.
 
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