A New Wave of Class D Integrated Amplifiers

[The Knife]

No I haven't, but I will when I have the opportunity because I am curious.

Here's an excerpt from a Twittering Machines review of it (link below):

"....I’ve been listening to Fassbaender’s Winterreise since its release in 1990 so we know each other well and the Technics driving the DeVore’s with the Auralic G1 converting the ripped CD’s bits to analog, I was treated with a rich and rewarding rendering. That said, I have heard more saturation from the Line Magnetic Audio LM-845iA Integrated Amplifier (review) making for a greater emotional connection to this emotional music but at the expense of the Technic’s cooler control and greater sense of clarity....."

That's about what I would expect from Class D, and my listening biases are such that I would take the greater tonal saturation and emotional connection to the music of the Line Magnetic tube integrated, over the greater control and clarity but cooler sonic signature of the Technics every day of the week. A similar finding is in the Absolute Sound review that you excerpted, if you read the whole thing. It describes the Technics amp as extremely neutral and lacking in colorations - always code words in my experience for a cool sonic signature, whether in an amp, cable, cartridge, etc. Doesn't mean the Technics is not a good amp or that you wouldn't love it.

Review: Technics Stereo Integrated Amplifier SU-R1000 - Twittering Machines

Michael Lavorgna's Twittering Machines: HiFi with a twist

twitteringmachines.com

Thanks! Nice to read different inputs. And again, delighted with Anthony Cordesman statement describing the Technics amp as extremely neutral and lacking in colorations. Isnt that the ultimate grade for a piece of HIFI equipment? To not colour the music, and instead present the music as it was intended in the recording studio with zero alterations? This of course asks a lot of every other piece of equipment in your hifi-chain. Kind regards

 

[The Knife]

Here are three absolute non-scientific recordings (Iphone Max) but from the Sweetspot.

 

[The Knife]

This very evening I run into Mr. Mark Levinson. He is in town with my local dealer for an event tomorrow to show case Daniel Hertz, and some of their digital products.

I will listen to the M8 speakers with the Amplifier "Maria". Very excited. Will report back my perception after that. Very excited!

Mark Levinson's Audio Legacy – Daniel Hertz S.r.l.

Mark Levinson is the founder of high-end audio, premium car sound, and audiophile recordings. For over 50 years, Mark has been known for producing the best audio equipment in the world

www.danielhertz.com

Kind regards

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Here are three absolute non-scientific recordings (Iphone Max) but from the Sweetspot.

Great videos and sound.

 

[KyoichiOda]

Ause Audio WATERFALL Power 502L
https://ause-audio.com/?page_id=3293


At first, this amplifier is placed at middle range in their lineup.
They are planning an upper class power amplifier with Purifi 1ET7040SA too.

The reason I would like to introduce this amplifier is that this was developed with unique and different technologies from other NC500 amplifiers.

Following shows input noise, outside of audible frequency band from DAC, appears in audible frequency band of output.


They eliminated this noise by their technology, with minimum influence over audible frequency band.


They realised this problem at developing previous model NC400 amplifier, and has resolved it. They said "it was not so easy."

Other key points:
1. Shortest layout with no signal input/output cables
2. No discrete op-amps, low noise op-amps are used
3. The power supply for the buffer has been designed with a unique high PSRR power circuit for sound quality

I like nCore amplifier, however sometimes high frequency, especially violin sounds a bit strange like brass instrument.
This P502L resolves this problem. The sound quality is more natural, with smoother highs and greater transparency in the mid range.
I am very looking forward to their new 1ET7040SA amplifier.

If you are looking for NC500 amplifier, I think this deserves your consider. Price is not so high.
Mr. Tsukioka at Ause Audio is happy to answer your question.
info[at-mark]ause-audio.com

 

[KyoichiOda]

Ause Audio WATERFALL Integrated 250
https://ause-audio.com/?page_id=1272


This is not an integrated amplifier with digital input.
It has very unique configuration, Power amplifier + DAC.
Power amplifier and DAC work separately OR integratedly.

You can use it by four way:
1. DAC mode: it works as a DAC
2. Power amp mode: it works as a power amplifier without volume control
3. Integrated mode: it works as DAC + power amplifier
4. Outer preamp mode: you can add your favorite sound preamplifier

Power amp works with NC252MP, DAC part is their original design with AK4497, ultra-high performance power supply circuit and low-pass filter for complete isolation of noise outside the leakage band.
It sounds very transparent, good soundscape with high resolution, so it seems good decision they add 'Outer preamp mode'.
Because NC252MP is adopted, it would be better for 2way bookshelf speakers, desktop audio and headphone users.
Sadly this model is about to be discontinued, they have small stocks now.

 

[Addicted to hifi]

Ause Audio WATERFALL Integrated 250
https://ause-audio.com/?page_id=1272
View attachment 86047

This is not an integrated amplifier with digital input.
It has very unique configuration, Power amplifier + DAC.
Power amplifier and DAC work separately OR integratedly.

You can use it with four way:
1. DAC mode: it works as a DAC
2. Power amp mode: it works as a power amplifier without volume control
3. Integrated mode: it works as DAC + power amplifier
4. Outer preamp mode: you can add your favorite sound preamplifier

Power amp works with NC252MP, DAC part is their original design with AK4497, ultra-high performance power supply circuit and low-pass filter for complete isolation of noise outside the leakage band.
It sounds very transparent, good soundscape with high resolution, so it seems good decision they add 'Outer preamp mode'.
Because of NC252MP is adopted, it would be better for 2way bookshelf speakers, desktop audio and headphone users.
Sadly this model is about to be discontinued, they have small stocks now.

Looks stunning.

 

[KyoichiOda]

3D images of
Ause Audio WATERFALL Power 502L
(These are not photograph!)

 

[Addicted to hifi]

3D images of
Ause Audio WATERFALL Power 502L
(These are not photograph!)

View attachment 86970
View attachment 86971
View attachment 86972

They look very beautiful and I bet they sound it to.

 

[Cellcbern]

Yet to hear a Class D amp that competes with the best tube and hybrid amps when it comes to musicality which by the way is why so much of the advertising for these amps compares them with tubes. Not interested in any amplification without tubes in the chain.

Again, from Michael Lavorgna's review of the Technics SU-R1000:

"....I have heard more saturation from the Line Magnetic Audio LM-845iA Integrated Amplifier (review) making for a greater emotional connection to this emotional music but at the expense of the Technic’s cooler control and greater sense of clarity....."

Why would anyone want an amp technology that resulted in less emotional connection to the music?

 

[Brucemck2]

This very evening I run into Mr. Mark Levinson. He is in town with my local dealer for an event tomorrow to show case Daniel Hertz, and some of their digital products.

I will listen to the M8 speakers with the Amplifier "Maria". Very excited. Will report back my perception after that. Very excited!

Mark Levinson's Audio Legacy – Daniel Hertz S.r.l.

Mark Levinson is the founder of high-end audio, premium car sound, and audiophile recordings. For over 50 years, Mark has been known for producing the best audio equipment in the world

www.danielhertz.com

Kind regards

How were the M8’s?

 

[Cellcbern]

Look at the language used to describe Absolare's successful transition from all tube SET to hybrid amplification (from Robert Hartley - TAS):

Absolare Hybrid Stereo Power Amplifier, Signature Edition​

".....Astonishingly, Absolare has managed to capture much of the magic of those two reference-class products in the Hybrid Stereo power amplifier. As its name suggests, the Hybrid combines tubes in the front end with a 275Wpc (4 ohms) solid-state output stage. Yet there’s no hint of transistors in the Hybrid’s sound; it has astonishing liquidity of timbre, is utterly grain-free, and projects that elusive sense of midrange presence that is the hallmark of the best SETs. The Hybrid creates a directness of musical expression—of hearing nothing between you and the music—that is unique among solid-state amplifiers, in my experience....".

Now compare this with the language used to describe any (pick one) of the top solid state amps or preamps.

 

[The Knife]

Yet to hear a Class D amp that competes with the best tube and hybrid amps when it comes to musicality which by the way is why so much of the advertising for these amps compares them with tubes. Not interested in any amplification without tubes in the chain.

Again, from Michael Lavorgna's review of the Technics SU-R1000:

"....I have heard more saturation from the Line Magnetic Audio LM-845iA Integrated Amplifier (review) making for a greater emotional connection to this emotional music but at the expense of the Technic’s cooler control and greater sense of clarity....."

Why would anyone want an amp technology that resulted in less emotional connection to the music?

Eh. Because the R1000 has a cooler control and greater sense of clarity....."? These reviewers are also always subjective. I need to know that the reviewer is not biased by the fact that he loves tubes and that of course, he cant guarantee me or any of us. The „ Emotions“ he talks about is purely subjective. So is his statement that the R1000 achieves greater sense of clarity. The last thing I at least can confirm, because it is true to me to. The R1000 is a tremendous performer and invites me into the deep voids of the music, and I am not worried at all that I miss any emotional connection to the music. On the contrary.

 

[Cellcbern]

Eh. Because the R1000 has a cooler control and greater sense of clarity....."? These reviewers are also always subjective. I need to know that the reviewer is not biased by the fact that he loves tubes and that of course, he cant guarantee me or any of us. The „ Emotions“ he talks about is purely subjective. So is his statement that the R1000 achieves greater sense of clarity. The last thing I at least can confirm, because it is true to me to. The R1000 is a tremendous performer and invites me into the deep voids of the music, and I am not worried at all that I miss any emotional connection to the music. On the contrary.

You’ve lost me. “These reviewers are also always subjective”? As opposed to what? Are your listening impressions objective? Are anyone’s?

What I do know is that experienced reviewers have much more educated ears than you or me, and have listened to many more different components. As a result they have a much better frame of reference for evaluating what components sound like.

 

[The Knife]

Sure. I hear you. Of course all the impressions out there are subjective. Some based on a wider reference then others, which we all appreciate. And that is all good. We all appreciate reading some ones impressions / reviews, with the purpose of gaining insights. Yet again. When the numbers gets bigger, the tech more advanced and more resources have been invested into gear, I am of the believe that HIFI is like wine. At a certain level one wine that is better to you might be worse to me and vice verse. Two excellent components can exist at the same time. One need to be able to keep two thoughts in mind at the same time. But if we are going to play the quote game, I pick the greater clarity in the music every day before the "emotional connection". As said. I create my own emotional connections to the music just fine. I am 40 years old and I trust my ears that are working perfectly fine. Having said that, I would love to listen to the Line Magnetic my self, preferable in a A to B test to the R1000. I would be the first to make new plans for my HIFI set up if I could hear clear improvements in areas that are important to me. Nothing is holy in this game. But I suspect for others Tube or Class-A is some what of a religion, and that´s when thing can start to get ugly.

 

[Michael Davitt]

You can add the Java to your list CKK. I’m pretty excited about this one - LDR attenuation / GaN power modules / inbuilt dac and mm stage whilst also remaining attractive.

View attachment 68960

Haven't we all seen these Class D amps before, or is it just me with this feeling of deja brew ?

 

[Cellcbern]

Sure. I hear you. Of course all the impressions out there are subjective. Some based on a wider reference then others, which we all appreciate. And that is all good. We all appreciate reading some ones impressions / reviews, with the purpose of gaining insights. Yet again. When the numbers gets bigger, the tech more advanced and more resources have been invested into gear, I am of the believe that HIFI is like wine. At a certain level one wine that is better to you might be worse to me and vice verse. Two excellent components can exist at the same time. One need to be able to keep two thoughts in mind at the same time. But if we are going to play the quote game, I pick the greater clarity in the music every day before the "emotional connection". As said. I create my own emotional connections to the music just fine. I am 40 years old and I trust my ears that are working perfectly fine. Having said that, I would love to listen to the Line Magnetic my self, preferable in a A to B test to the R1000. I would be the first to make new plans for my HIFI set up if I could hear clear improvements in areas that are important to me. Nothing is holy in this game. But I suspect for others Tube or Class-A is some what of a religion, and that´s when thing can start to get ugly.

So you listen to music for clarity rather than emotional connection? Is that true for live performances too? You “suspect” that tubes or Class A is a religion for some? Based on what? Why would it be a “religion” as opposed to people just preferring the sound of tubes/class A?

 

[CKKeung]

Very nice to see that Nord Audio has launched a new series of Gallium Nitride poweramps.
The prices are affordable!
Eager to audition them.

 

[Cellcbern]

Very nice to see that Nord Audio has launched a new series of Gallium Nitride poweramps.
The prices are affordable!
Eager to audition them.


View attachment 87024

Haven’t heard the Nord but heard the AGD line of GAN amps at Capital Audiofest. Very impressive on all fronts yet still decidedly solid state in signature and not as musical as the best tube designs at the show. As with every solid state amp I’ve heard, I would require a tube preamp in front of an AGD GAN amp in order to live with it long term. Note that the pre-GAN Nord amps paired with a tube preamp made for a great high value combo.

 

[KyoichiOda]

Very nice to see that Nord Audio has launched a new series of Gallium Nitride poweramps.
The prices are affordable!
Eager to audition them.


View attachment 87024

I am interested in Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra. Hope your impression if you have an audition.