Class A = a heater that happens to produce music. Class B = produces music, but barely. Class A/B = can't decide between heating the place and producing music. Class D = a very fast morse code generator that still produces music.
IT guy here, tnx for the amp types explanation! But the network part makes no sense, the TCP/IP implementation already solve this problem, and send/receive buffers take care of the timing issue. So… yes fiber optic can have more length and is easier to route, but the audio is exactly the same.
that's what I'm saying! these old guys think there's a difference in audio quality of the same file type played over Ethernet or Cloud. I can almost bet the file being streamed from the cloud is compressed and possibly a different file type altogether
Agree with OP, but in addition this ignores the whole concept of buffering. Timing of the error correction adding noise is nonsense as the data will get there completely or it won’t and there will be a timeout. The data will not be changed. There probably is an audio discussion to be had regarding streaming versus local, but this is more around the codec/compression/bitrate or other things the streaming service may be doing at the data level, fidelity loss in local networking isn’t a thing unless something went really wrong.
The main reason why there’s a timing improvement is that the software in the renderer does a proper bit perfect pass-through with the incoming stream. I’ve argued a lot with people from audio science review but they often misunderstand that implementation often means how well software and hardware synergise, and the job of software is actually to drive voltages in the hardware, so even if the theory is solid, it doesn’t mean reality is the same.
At the end John mentioned the acoustic treatment of his office. I have to say that it is much more pleasant to listen to John‘s voice in his treated office than Srajan‘s echoing voice.
@8:00 I was listening to this podcast and wanted to add a correction to the Class A amplifier discussion: Class A amplifiers have transistor(s) that are biased half way between the voltage rails, normally ground (0V) and the positive voltage rail, so there is no transistor handling the positive swinging signal and the negative swinging signal it a transistor or group of transistors handling the entire signal. The transistors are constantly on and conducting current with that bias scheme therefore it waste power even in idle and gets extremely hot. They might sound good but it is taxing on the transistor which is why they have extremely large heatsinks, and your wallet via the electric bill.
Thanks for a new 2024 podcast. Always interesting to learn about new equipment. I’m an A/B guy. I’ve had amps that have lasted for decades. My 200 WPC into 8 ohms Rotel amp paired with its matching preamp is the perfect balance of performance, looks and cost IMO. I can run it for hours cranking out classic rock and it never gets hot or triggers a protection circuit. Hopefully other classes of amps will advance the science of hi-fi and pass the test of reliability over time. Keep up the good work!
John & Srajan, that was nothing short of an excellent presentation. Thanks so much, held my interest the whole way through and yes both entertaining and educational. Bravo !
I’m putting my money on A/B. Literally. A channel just died on the 52 year old Sansui AU-555 that’s been the cornerstone of my system since the summer I got married, so I bought a Schiit Vidar, which is shipping Today! 🎉
I have the same amp!! Did you like when alive? I got it from my father and I can hear a bit of background noise, but other than that it sounds pretty good to me
On the Naim Uniti Nova PE, it retails in here in the uk for £8600. I listened to one at Sevenoaks SAV. I ended buying a Naim Uniti Nova headphone edition with the NAD m23 power amplifier and saved £3000 on a better sounding unit with more power, 200w compered to 150w. Plus balanced headphone connections and all the offerings of the PE edition apart from HDMI input. The Naim pricing of the Nova PE unit is just wrong IMHO
Hi, I have the standard Nova. I didn’t realise there was an headphone edition? Is this new? I know there is an Atom headphone edition as I’m looking to buy one.
I am really happy that AGD was mentioned by Mr. Srajan as those amp are damn good. Using Audion MK iii and I really happy of having that, my another amp is class A push-pull - Cobra by Audio Note.
I own the AGD Audion Mkiii mono blocks as well and they are the real deal! They outperformed my Parasound JC5. I hope they are reliable because I plan to keep them for a long time and I have no idea what I would replace them with?
@46:30 Technics uses GaNFet in its SE-R1 and SU-R1000....fun fact, GaNFet's are used in AESA Active Electronically Scanned Array radars in modern 5th and 6th generation fighter jets. Pretty bad a**, right?
After decades of Class A/B (Classe Audio & PASS Labs) I recently switched to Class D with the Emerald Physics EP600.2SE. It includes a tube buffer stage that can be switched in and out on the fly but I find that I only engage it for serious listening sessions. The most musical and powerful amp I have owned, dead quiet, and it only weighs 15 lbs (6.8 kg) so rearranging my equipment rack won’t hurt my back (looking at you PASS Labs X5).
The Vandersteen model 5 used 2 12” woofers in a isobaric configuration for below 120 Hz, the two woofers think the box is twice the size, it also offers more work for control. I’ve made a few subs using this configuration with excellent results
Thanks for the podcast. It was a really nice breakdown of the different Class of amplifiers for network engineers 🙂 A much better usage of galvanic isolation is the demarcation point of network service into power substations where the results of electrical ‘crossover’ from switchyards into the telecommunications network can be much more serious than signal interference 😉 Also Cat5, 5e, 6, 7, etc. UTP, FTP, etc. are indeed most widely used in Ethernet LANs but they are not Ethernet cables in the same way that the multi-mode fibre optic cable that Srajan was holding is also not an Ethernet cable. Capable of transport Ethernet frames across networks yes, but that is a sweeping generalisation. I love your stuff but sometimes us IT folk get triggered too 😁
Linn has made AB amps with SMPS for a very long time They also drove isobaric speakers actively in the 1980s and are still pushing active. Interestingly very few customers seem to like separate amps for active systems which opens endless possibilities. But also lots of cables and boxes.
Great video. I have the McIntosh 252 that is an Hybrid Class A & Class D, sounds amazing, but more and more hear and read that Class D is evolving to even surpass Class A or AB in many aspects.
Good morning from Singapore.I am happy with my tube amp and my YBA intergrated amp since 1979.I am also happy with my Thiel cs22 and snell type d speakers.
I for one really like this Bi Media format used now, John does a good job to keep Srajan on track with the needs for audio listeners only. I like it because I have a choice on how to consume. Clearly the video has advantages with speaker pictures etc. but when out walking with ear buds the audio podcast is the only option.
I've got a March Audio amp that uses the Purifi modules (P452), and it's wonnnnnnnderful. Incredibly cool and efficient, sounds wonderful, and in the realm of hifi, and incredible value at less than $2k USD.
Having been a network engineer for 25 years ... Nah, not really, I work in rope access. But when you said that it's not important for items to the printer to arrive in chunks, but audio needs to arrive in a stream you forgot about buffering. Here is a handy way to look at it. Your network endpoint is like an egg timer open at both ends. You want a constant stream of sand to come out of it. A good network is like filling it up repeatedly with a dessert spoon, a poor network is like filling it up with a teaspoon. Replacing the copper with fibre optics is like swapping the tablespoon for a shovel.
I just recently discovered this guy and his fabulous reviews (looking into getting a pair of KEF R3 metas), started watching this video and noticed Pet Shop Boys Heart in the background. Now I’m an even more massive fan of him! BTW, a review of the Arcam A15 and how it is with those KEFs would be nice!
I don't know if anyone already mentioned it but your voice is very relaxing. I regularly find myself falling asleep while watching your videos... Kind of strange but yeah, I thought you should know
So relaxing for me too. Also nearly falling to sleep, nodding up and down. Luckily we got YT version so it’s easier to stay focused. But out walking or in the car, the Podcast rules. What about John reading whinny the Pooh 😂 at night. Love your work.
Orchard Audio also use GaN in their amps, DIY kit is reasonably prices. I have had ICE and Hypex amps, these are in completely different class. Also, on addressing router issues last, I put a good linear power supply on my low/mid system and noticed a noticeable improvement, same thing with my WiiM Pro+ when I improved the P.S.
I used to build Isobaric enclosures using MB Quart drivers for car audio installations. They were very efficient, so easy to drive with great results on a low budget
A big part of someone’s preference is experience and exposure. I grew up listening to Class AB stereo sound systems and old school vinyl and radio with my old man. Then I migrated to CD’s , tried the mini disc, ipod, and streaming and now my primarily listening is CD with a class AB amp cause to me, that just sounds naturally better, the sound brings the air around me alive and full bodied to my ears. Streaming is too clean and sterile, the sound has no body soul whatever you want to call it, just doesn’t make me happy. That’s just me
I've been through Naim AB (Nait 5i; 1552XS,155XS; 202/200) plus all the power supplies, which for the 202/200 was a TeddyCap and a Napsc and I've gone to a NAD C298 power amplifier with the Purifi Eigentakt class D modules fed by a Chord Hugo TT2 (which is DAC digital preamplifier) and I wouldn't switch back. I've replaced 8 boxes (DAC+PS; Pre+2PSs;Power; Headphone amp+PS) with two and it sounds crystal clear which I prefer. Less is more for me.
Back in 2013 I replaced a pair of Cary 300SE monoblocks amps (Class A, 9watts - yes, nine watts - per channel) with an ARCAM AVR600 because I wanted multichannel audio as an option whilst still focusing on stereo listening. I was very pleased with its performance versus the superb Cary monos for my ALMARRO M2A speakers. It was only later when I found some technical resources on Class G amps (as in the Arcam) that I understood this amplification was Class A up to 30 watts per channel. I am still very happily running the ARCAM AVR600 (only ever used as an amplifier, not for video processing). An interesting coincidence for me in John's podcast is that he is partnering with Srajan. My ALMARRO M2A speakers are from 2005-10 period and I have only ever found two reviews of them and one was by Srajan on his 6Moons site....and a glowing one!! Thanks to John & Srajan for offering more confirmation of my original decision re Class G amplification.
As a former network engineer, I was about to say something... but I never would have thought about audio streaming and the latency factor effecting audio. Does the client not account for that and add some buffering so that no frames are lost?
Just think about the potential latency you can get because of TCP/IP packet resend depending on network conditions, topology etc. And streamers can add additional layers (on top of TCP) of error correction techniques (forward error correction, back error correction, etc) to ensure quality on the media signal. So yes, you always have a buffer in the endpoints of media streaming to ensure you will not get drops in time dimension.
I have a unity Nova and it's a wimp in terms of power. I've had it shut down a number of times playing it loud in a 12x14 bedroom with a number of different speakers. It's supposed to have 80 watts which should be plenty but for whatever reason it's a wimpy 80 watts in my world. If you like to play loud and want to use a typical lower efficiency box speaker you may be disappointed. I'm sure others have had the same problem, hence the PE version.
Isobaric can be faced the same way and move together or be in a clamshell and work in a push pull configuration. The main reason why you don't see them that much anymore is cost and also we have better drivers than 60 years ago when they needed huge cabinets for big sound. When they came out with the AR sealed boxes that kinda changed everything.
I have listened to Naim PE class D in Bristol and it sounded nice to me. Even in untreated hotel room. I think that’s the most important … either one like the sound or not… does not matter how it is achieved … at least to me. It’s like wine … one can do so many manipulations in growing or making it but what matters is the end product and our personal taste. A lot of good amps from Aavik Daniel Hertz are class D now and they do sound nice so maybe it’s just a simple evolution ?
The cartridge that Srajan is referring to is known as Small form-factor pluggable (SFP), they come in different types and speeds based on your cables and endpoints.
This is so telling and much needed. After my system finally got to a point that the music was very engaging on most tracks I played, that final piece of the puzzle really was simply adding a switch to my ethernet chain, paired with a filter and a well made cat6a cable. It made a very big difference, and I'm glad to see that taking these steps are verified by John and Srajan. I feel validated (and not so much a complete audiophile nut)!
@DarkoAudio I believe you got Class A wrong. Class A amps use just one output switching transistor -- NOT positive and negative pairs. The single output transistor is biased around the middle of its capability and is never driven into its cut-off or saturation. This allows the transistor to conduct current over the full 360 degrees of the input cycle. If you google for Class A and Class AB schematics, the difference is clear.
@DarkoAudio wait, do you mean to tell me there are push-pull implementations explained in detail by Jason Stoddard from Schiit available online for all to read?
Class A can be single ended and it can also be push pull. Single ended class A can never ever have crossover distortion. Push pull class a is designed to have no crossover at normal loads. But I can imagine that it might leave A operation at full load at 2 ohms or something like that.
@michaelsparrow4798 Class A amplifiers can be either be single ended ( in which case they need a large blocking capacitor to stop DC destroying speakers ) or a push/pull dual rail. Class AB amps are to my knowledge always dual rail, which is probably where your confusion comes from, they have the transistor biased on all the time to above the Base / emitter voltage ( typically 0.6v ) to stop the unused transistor switching off. The advantage of class A is that the transistor bias does not have to increase with the signal. If it doesn’t have a signal, it just creates heat. You could have a 100w class AB amplifier that has say 10w of class A, it would just have to have a huge heatsink as it would typically dissipate 800w of power ( to be able to drive a 2ohm load)
You've left out the happy medium, class G. It was used by Hitachi, Bob Carver, and is currently used by Arcam. They tend to run deep, say 3-5 watts at class A, and use a feed forward circuit to switch on successive power supply nodes as needed so there is enough power to keep the class b crossover distortion low while keeping the power consumption very low. You use class A for the vast majority of amplification for most music on most speakers in most rooms without having to keep an A/B amps permanent bias very high. They are very efficient. -- Edit you did mention it. But not much.
I definitely appreciate the mention. I am an Arcam user, but it does seem to be something that Best Buy in the States advertises as a step down from McIntosh, so that number may grow (granted the client may not know it is class G). I appreciate the video.
Srajan is correct about Class G. It has a number of power rails which are switched in as power demands are increased. When the signal is low these supplies are in idle thus reducing the power used. Sorry John but Lindorff and Peachtree are a versions of class D. They get their "digital"label from the way the input signals are processed through to the output stage. I agree the clever marketing does give a different impression. cheers G.
It does look sexy, but Naim really are taking the Micheal here. You can only live off your naim (see what I did there) for so long. £10K for a Class D, 150W. I don’t care what the amplification method is, does it sound good? Price wise, they really are pushing the limit to what they can get away with. I suppose they’ll no doubt introduce a power supply option for £5K even though it’s Class D. 😂 I auditioned the original version and left it in the shop.
Heating problems? With a LM 805 you get beautiful sound, plenty of power and fantastic glowing valves. It’s like a fireplace with great musical quality… and you can do tuberoling. When you got a transistoramp you are stuck! Please get out of this transistor trouble. I haven’t seen any propa’ review on tube amps on your programme Darko?! What’s the readon for this?
On the topic of fiber optics VS ethernet..... That's why they have memory buffers in modern switches and routers. So it would not matter timestamp wise. The data from a source arrives way faster to the destination than you can listen to. So error handling would have plenty of time to correct the signal if there was any fault in the TCP/IP packaging. There is also a memory buffer in your DAC or streaming service receiver, either it being a RaspBerryPi using Roon or Volumio or a fancy streamer like Eversolo DMP 6 or 8. Therefore, this 'Fiberoptics' is nonsense. Look to improve on speakers, DAC and source files instead for the best gain in sound quality. Spend your money wisely, to gain maximum return.
I'm learning but if I'm happy with my speakers and avr your saying don't get buy an amp? But if I upgrade my speakers that would be way more money. So can people blind a/b test their speakers with an amp off and then on, and it's not really a big deal? I just thought an amp would improve the speakers sound a bit.
Great video - first time I've tried one of your podcasts and very glad I did - both informative and educational - looking forward to more like this in the future :)
My stuff is cat6a compatible i switched my old cables out 7 mos ago. Use the flat version and little clips with adhesive to route. Super easy cheap and clean. Not noticeable unless u look for it. Two sided tape is cleaner but more effort (not much more ) if your picky about the clips being visable. Its 13$ for 50ft of 6a. Definitely a improvment over wifi if thats how u stream. Mutiple colors of cable are redily available as well.
I've gone from budget Class A/B (Denon) to budget Class D (Topping, Fosi, Crown, Micca) then back to budget Class A/B (Denon AVR). In the budget segment at least - I prefer the A/B sound - sounds fuller but definitely less resolving
Since you called out network engineers; I'm going to have to say, "I'm a cyber security engineer and that network related segment was though to listen too".
Also any IT admin who thinks that 5mins is an acceptable time for a printout to start being rendered at a printer should not be an IT admin. Everything is time dependent at the workplace, ask any online bank if things are not time dependent...or online gaming for a less critical example. Having said all that, great content as usual.
Im vintage haha. Old school tube amplifiers in pre and poweramps two monoblocks working in Class AB push pull. At 23 watts with 91db speakers. All homemade. I have lend good a Class D amplifier. A Primare A35.2 power amplifier, i must say Class D today with this brand i was suppriced it was musical. But a more lifely musical from my tubes had more darkness where music is better placed. But overall for what is possible today with Class D it is wonderful. Little expensive too😏 nice video explanation about Class a a/b and d
I would love to see you review the Def Tech D-11's. I just purchased a pair and I am absolutely pleased with them in every way but given that I value your opinion unlike any other, your review of these speakers is important given their value to sound quality proposition.
With my Parasound JC5 power amp I'm Class A/AB and love what itdoes because of how it sounds not because of how it works. Great conversation, more content like this please.
I wonder if the GANFET technology might not solve some of the high end 'hardness' of the existing Class D amplification (to the extent that it still exists).
Only class D I've had was a Ncore-based one. Bought in to the hype a bit. Stunning clarity and definition, bass in particular, like nothing I'd had before in various amps - AB solid state, valve, and hybrid/MOSFET ones. But over time it didnt feel right. All the detail was there but something unnatural about it - especially the tip end. Again, feel. Went back to AB amps and now a class A.
I am heading to Florida AudioExpo tomorrow ..and I will be asking the team that question about the Uniti Nova PE .. " what kind of amp module is it " .. I'll post the conversation at the show on my socials.
I’ve just swapped my Roksan K3 (A/B) for a Cambridge Evo 150. Did it to get down to one box. Different sound but I’m really enjoying the convenience and more importantly the sound from the Evo. Bass is great and tight and it’s more revealing. I think it’s more neutral in its sound. I wonder whether class A/B is warmer but more coloured? Hmmmm.
The discussion on use of glass fibre/Ethernet/galvanic isolation immediately reminded me of Small Green Computers and their network streamer product line. I started using their microRendu many years ago as a Roon endpoint, but benefitting from its galvanic isolation. This early little marvel was eventually replaced by optical-fibre linked modules ("Optical Rendu"). In the end I did not understand whether Srajan's approach was in any way different from the SMG product lineup.
I'm perplexed by the argument that network noise filters and/or electrical isolation (e.g. via an optical connection) improves only streaming music. If ethernet was causing inteference in the audio output, then ANY network traffic would be a problem even when playing local files from disc! Maybe a double-blind listening test would settle the question. BTW w.r.t galvanic isolation, my understanding is that ethernet switches have this by design. Without it, ground loops and surges could damage the switches.
Yes, it is audiophile BS. Bit perfect is bit perfect, and isolated from electrical noise, the signal is as good as it gets. And, yeah, Ethernet is galvanically isolated by design.
Hybrid integrated amplifiers combine class-A preamplifier topology with class-A/B or D amplifier topology. I'm well versed in amplifier topology and I think seasoned audiophiles are too or at the very least they know what they like and which brands make a preferred sound signature. Personally I prefer the sound signature of the current generation McIntosh solid state class A/B amplification for speakers. There's a directness to the sound signature or maybe a better description is a coupling effect, this did not impress me at first but now everything else sounds broken to me that does not have the directness of McIntosh amplification, I shouldn't say broken because I love the sound signature of 300B triodes and triodes in general, I love the sound of budget tier amps like Onkyo, I'll mix it up to keep things interesting but I always go back my McIntosh rig after a few days, there's something about those McIntosh output autoformers that can make other amps sound broken in direct comparison
The reason you do not see it much in home audio is that houses tend to have plenty of space so a large cabinet is not a problem. You say it often int he 1990's in car audio where space is limited in some applications. It allowed you to put say 4 inch drivers in the same space that would allow 1 15" subwoofer or 2 12" subwoofers for instance. Play with that as you will.
Everyone is so excited about the Nova PE, but I'm really curious about the CI-102 Uniti. It's designed for custom installations, sure. But it costs 1500 euros, it's tiny, quite nice looking, and if it sounds like a Naim it could be a bargain!
You both often use the word "switching", maybe you should explain what that means in this context. A Class D Amp's transistors are either fully open or fully closed and they are switching between these states. Therefore they run so cool, 'cause there's no loss when they are closed fully and there's little loss when they are fully open. Cool thing!
do they switch on and off or positive to negative in class b ?. the crown dc300a is class b and certainly doesn't sound unpleasant . i am curious to know if there are harmonic artefacts that make it down to the audio band with class D .
I own two GaNFET amplifiers--the AGD Audion Monoblocks and the Technics SU-R1000. They are both superb and compete against anything. Very much the future of Class D.
I think class AD is the future ( Devialet is doing it ). And GaN transistors. It'll replace class AB and advantage is that it doesn't switch from A to AB class but it uses 10W class A and powerful ( 150W or more ) class D. So Class A gives that nice warm sound and musicality whilst class D gives the punch.
Didn't know where to post general comments and review requests, so I'll do it here. Just wanted to say that I throoughly enjoy your content, and I've been following your RUclips channel for a couple of years now. Your channel is very informative, cuts through the BS, and I appreciate the honesty you provide. Based on your review and recommendation, I purchased a set of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G speakers (in British Racer Green, not because I'm from the UK, but because they look awesome) about a year ago and was left thoroughly satisfied with the purchase. I recently saw your review of the Sony A-306. Was wondering if you had tried out the NX-707 (i.e. the Japan version, and not the US version which is extremely power limited) and what your thoughts were on the device? Also, as an audiophile, I was wondering if you have a discrete soundcard for your PC and, if so, are there specific use cases where you feel like it's worth the investment? Thanks!
My dad has developed a top notch class ab about 35 years ago and im still using it today. When getting my first stereo it inspired him to build a newer Version with specs that would decimate modern consumer Devices so i am definitely on the ab side of the discussion. Of course the inefficiencies of class a and ab are a turn off but lets be honest who really needs 600 Watts into 4ohms with a loss of maybe 250w these days? Especcially in modern homes 100-150w are really enough and with that the inefficiencies arent that big of a Deal any more.
Lol, talking about modern homes, a 150W class A is a no-go, unless you turn off other consumers...most modern homes here in central europe have a 25A fuse for the whole household as a maximum...running the "fantastic" 150W class A amp at full, good luck with it's efficiency of less than 25%.😂
I believe the ELAC Adante AS-61speakers designed by Andrew Jones has a similar (not isobaric) type of double woofer construction. One is a passive radiator, though. That speaker apparently didn't measure very smooth.
The best design is 30W to50W in class A and the rest 70W+ in class AB with original transistors from the 80's and 90's, mono blocks with transformers each 500W, 80000uf caps per block. Everything else is just the same crap and cutting corners. And lets not forget tube preamp is the key. It is very important for an amp to have 5 times the power in power supply, example, if the amp is 100W on 4ohm the transformer should be 500W..That's why expensive amps weight 30kg plus...just the power supply weighs 15kg..
It’s been more than two years since I said goodbye to classes A and AB in favor of class D, I don’t hear a difference with class A. Switching power supply.
That is super specific. I have just recapped a Sansui Ba-f1 power amp from the 70s but sadly it only has four 63000 uF caps. I guess it goes out in the trash tomorrow. Darn.
@@axerake curious, the beauty of Class A is the speed of the bass. Think of it like this. When you turn on a Class A amp, it fills to full power, then when speakers experience a quick transit in the form of an explosion, the power is there and ready, it does haven't to pull power from the wall.
I would be curious as to the age spread on the opinions about class D. There seems to be a number of opinions that extol the virtues of class D, but decide there is some vague feeling that turns them off after awhile. I'm older, 60+, and admit to a fear or prejudice against class D until I built my own amp with the Hypex nc-400 modules a few years ago. I have been converted and anytime I go back to my big Marantz (at the time) top of the line receiver or my vintage 1980 Yamaha integrated, I feel there is something missing and the comparison is not even close. To mitigate the rumored class D harshness, I also bought the Freya+ pre-amp. If you dial in the tubes, it does give a slightly smoother sound, but I find myself listening in solid state mode more often than in tube mode due to the better detail. I love the new class D and can't recall hearing a better a/b amp. Not sure I have really experienced true class A. Finally, I am a bit green, and the efficiency of class D should not be discounted.
Because you switch at some certain frequency doesnt mean that the switching harmonics cannot be at higher frequencies. Switching harmonics of a PWM modulated converter is generally at mulitples of the switching frequencie and the corresponding sidebands.
Exactly, because it is the speed of the rising and falling edges that create the very high harmonics. So an amplifier that switches at a "rate" of say 550KHz can generate harmonics up into the 10s of MHz.
Class A = a heater that happens to produce music.
Class B = produces music, but barely.
Class A/B = can't decide between heating the place and producing music.
Class D = a very fast morse code generator that still produces music.
What about the c wave proposed by mark Levinson on his Daniel Hertz Maria amp?
IT guy here, tnx for the amp types explanation! But the network part makes no sense, the TCP/IP implementation already solve this problem, and send/receive buffers take care of the timing issue. So… yes fiber optic can have more length and is easier to route, but the audio is exactly the same.
that's what I'm saying! these old guys think there's a difference in audio quality of the same file type played over Ethernet or Cloud. I can almost bet the file being streamed from the cloud is compressed and possibly a different file type altogether
@@TecraTubeI’m new to this but I think you need a DAC to play anything over 48khz on Apple Music.
Agree with OP, but in addition this ignores the whole concept of buffering. Timing of the error correction adding noise is nonsense as the data will get there completely or it won’t and there will be a timeout. The data will not be changed. There probably is an audio discussion to be had regarding streaming versus local, but this is more around the codec/compression/bitrate or other things the streaming service may be doing at the data level, fidelity loss in local networking isn’t a thing unless something went really wrong.
The main reason why there’s a timing improvement is that the software in the renderer does a proper bit perfect pass-through with the incoming stream. I’ve argued a lot with people from audio science review but they often misunderstand that implementation often means how well software and hardware synergise, and the job of software is actually to drive voltages in the hardware, so even if the theory is solid, it doesn’t mean reality is the same.
At the end John mentioned the acoustic treatment of his office. I have to say that it is much more pleasant to listen to John‘s voice in his treated office than Srajan‘s echoing voice.
@8:00 I was listening to this podcast and wanted to add a correction to the Class A amplifier discussion: Class A amplifiers have transistor(s) that are biased half way between the voltage rails, normally ground (0V) and the positive voltage rail, so there is no transistor handling the positive swinging signal and the negative swinging signal it a transistor or group of transistors handling the entire signal. The transistors are constantly on and conducting current with that bias scheme therefore it waste power even in idle and gets extremely hot. They might sound good but it is taxing on the transistor which is why they have extremely large heatsinks, and your wallet via the electric bill.
The electric bill dig is a bit of an exaggeration. A 50W x2 Class A amp is no different than turning on an old school 100W light bulb.
Thanks for a new 2024 podcast. Always interesting to learn about new equipment. I’m an A/B guy. I’ve had amps that have lasted for decades. My 200 WPC into 8 ohms Rotel amp paired with its matching preamp is the perfect balance of performance, looks and cost IMO. I can run it for hours cranking out classic rock and it never gets hot or triggers a protection circuit. Hopefully other classes of amps will advance the science of hi-fi and pass the test of reliability over time. Keep up the good work!
John & Srajan, that was nothing short of an excellent presentation. Thanks so much, held my interest the whole way through and yes both entertaining and educational. Bravo !
Fantastic coverage and I am hooked! Can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks John,
This is public service broadcasting, you Inform, Educate and Entertain.
I always learn a lot from your videos. Thank you.
I’m putting my money on A/B. Literally. A channel just died on the 52 year old Sansui AU-555 that’s been the cornerstone of my system since the summer I got married, so I bought a Schiit Vidar, which is shipping Today! 🎉
I have the same amp!! Did you like when alive? I got it from my father and I can hear a bit of background noise, but other than that it sounds pretty good to me
Why not repair the Sansui?
You could have saved a little more and gotten Orchard Starkrimson monoblocks. Oh well, enjoy the Schiit.
Go get it serviced! Those vintage amps are tanks when properly serviced, will last another 50 years easily.
You should get the Daniel Hertz Maria, class d is the future 😆
Very informative and one of your best videos to date. More of solid state and tube amplifier design would be nice.
That is SO interesting! Thank you John and Srajan. Your humility and knowledge are very much appreciated. Keep on the good work!
On the Naim Uniti Nova PE, it retails in here in the uk for £8600. I listened to one at Sevenoaks SAV. I ended buying a Naim Uniti Nova headphone edition with the NAD m23 power amplifier and saved £3000 on a better sounding unit with more power, 200w compered to 150w. Plus balanced headphone connections and all the offerings of the PE edition apart from HDMI input. The Naim pricing of the Nova PE unit is just wrong IMHO
Hi, I have the standard Nova. I didn’t realise there was an headphone edition? Is this new? I know there is an Atom headphone edition as I’m looking to buy one.
That's quite smart, I like it.
Sorry my typo error. It is the Naim Uniti Atom HE I bought with the NAD M23@@deanwhiteley3065
I am really happy that AGD was mentioned by Mr. Srajan as those amp are damn good. Using Audion MK iii and I really happy of having that, my another amp is class A push-pull - Cobra by Audio Note.
I own the AGD Audion Mkiii mono blocks as well and they are the real deal! They outperformed my Parasound JC5. I hope they are reliable because I plan to keep them for a long time and I have no idea what I would replace them with?
Thank you both for your insights and the entertaining way you present. I always learn so much and have a great time doing it.
This is a great guest--I enjoyed the discussion
@46:30 Technics uses GaNFet in its SE-R1 and SU-R1000....fun fact, GaNFet's are used in AESA Active Electronically Scanned Array radars in modern 5th and 6th generation fighter jets. Pretty bad a**, right?
Vintage high class preamp and a class D Poweramp. The Perfect combo for me
ATC active speakers all are Class A/B amplified, top to bottom. In addition, the amp modules can be taken out and shipped back individually.
I upgraded from Class A/B to a pair of Purifi Class D mono blocks. I'm very, very happy with them. It was definitely an upgrade, sonically.
After decades of Class A/B (Classe Audio & PASS Labs) I recently switched to Class D with the Emerald Physics EP600.2SE. It includes a tube buffer stage that can be switched in and out on the fly but I find that I only engage it for serious listening sessions. The most musical and powerful amp I have owned, dead quiet, and it only weighs 15 lbs (6.8 kg) so rearranging my equipment rack won’t hurt my back (looking at you PASS Labs X5).
Great video/ podcast guys!
Thank you.
Srajan's reviews are just in another level compared with the most of the reviewers today
The Vandersteen model 5 used 2 12” woofers in a isobaric configuration for below 120 Hz, the two woofers think the box is twice the size, it also offers more work for control. I’ve made a few subs using this configuration with excellent results
Thanks for the podcast. It was a really nice breakdown of the different Class of amplifiers for network engineers 🙂 A much better usage of galvanic isolation is the demarcation point of network service into power substations where the results of electrical ‘crossover’ from switchyards into the telecommunications network can be much more serious than signal interference 😉 Also Cat5, 5e, 6, 7, etc. UTP, FTP, etc. are indeed most widely used in Ethernet LANs but they are not Ethernet cables in the same way that the multi-mode fibre optic cable that Srajan was holding is also not an Ethernet cable. Capable of transport Ethernet frames across networks yes, but that is a sweeping generalisation. I love your stuff but sometimes us IT folk get triggered too 😁
Linn has made AB amps with SMPS for a very long time
They also drove isobaric speakers actively in the 1980s and are still pushing active. Interestingly very few customers seem to like separate amps for active systems which opens endless possibilities. But also lots of cables and boxes.
Well thank you JD and thank you Srajan for another entertaining and educational podcast, please keep them coming.
Great video. I have the McIntosh 252 that is an Hybrid Class A & Class D, sounds amazing, but more and more hear and read that Class D is evolving to even surpass Class A or AB in many aspects.
Good morning from Singapore.I am happy with my tube amp and my YBA intergrated amp since 1979.I am also happy with my Thiel cs22 and snell type d speakers.
I for one really like this Bi Media format used now, John does a good job to keep Srajan on track with the needs for audio listeners only. I like it because I have a choice on how to consume. Clearly the video has advantages with speaker pictures etc. but when out walking with ear buds the audio podcast is the only option.
I've got a March Audio amp that uses the Purifi modules (P452), and it's wonnnnnnnderful. Incredibly cool and efficient, sounds wonderful, and in the realm of hifi, and incredible value at less than $2k USD.
I have a 125W class C amplifier here that sounds great as long as you drive it with an FM signal centered on 145Mhz.
Having been a network engineer for 25 years ... Nah, not really, I work in rope access. But when you said that it's not important for items to the printer to arrive in chunks, but audio needs to arrive in a stream you forgot about buffering. Here is a handy way to look at it. Your network endpoint is like an egg timer open at both ends. You want a constant stream of sand to come out of it. A good network is like filling it up repeatedly with a dessert spoon, a poor network is like filling it up with a teaspoon. Replacing the copper with fibre optics is like swapping the tablespoon for a shovel.
As Paul McGowan said a couple of years ago, Class D amplification continues to change for the better. Some peoples opinion of Class D has not changed.
I just recently discovered this guy and his fabulous reviews (looking into getting a pair of KEF R3 metas), started watching this video and noticed Pet Shop Boys Heart in the background. Now I’m an even more massive fan of him! BTW, a review of the Arcam A15 and how it is with those KEFs would be nice!
As an ex electronic engineer and hifi enthusiast, I really enjoyed this video.
Me too. (ex-EE), but it was a bit tortuous without signal vs. time graphs!
Musical Fidelity made a class B amp back the 80s - the B1. I have one and it's great.
I don't know if anyone already mentioned it but your voice is very relaxing. I regularly find myself falling asleep while watching your videos... Kind of strange but yeah, I thought you should know
Me too! 😆
Really? Haha, man that’s an awesome feature! 😄
@@DarkoAudio 🤣 good one
So relaxing for me too. Also nearly falling to sleep, nodding up and down. Luckily we got YT version so it’s easier to stay focused. But out walking or in the car, the Podcast rules. What about John reading whinny the Pooh 😂 at night. Love your work.
Orchard Audio also use GaN in their amps, DIY kit is reasonably prices. I have had ICE and Hypex amps, these are in completely different class. Also, on addressing router issues last, I put a good linear power supply on my low/mid system and noticed a noticeable improvement, same thing with my WiiM Pro+ when I improved the P.S.
I used to build Isobaric enclosures using MB Quart drivers for car audio installations. They were very efficient, so easy to drive with great results on a low budget
I'm in the market for a new amplifier, so this was rather well-timed, John!
Why does the HDMI on all Naim gear look like an after thought that was just bolted on, on a premium price product?
A big part of someone’s preference is experience and exposure. I grew up listening to Class AB stereo sound systems and old school vinyl and radio with my old man. Then I migrated to CD’s , tried the mini disc, ipod, and streaming and now my primarily listening is CD with a class AB amp cause to me, that just sounds naturally better, the sound brings the air around me alive and full bodied to my ears. Streaming is too clean and sterile, the sound has no body soul whatever you want to call it, just doesn’t make me happy. That’s just me
I've been through Naim AB (Nait 5i; 1552XS,155XS; 202/200) plus all the power supplies, which for the 202/200 was a TeddyCap and a Napsc and I've gone to a NAD C298 power amplifier with the Purifi Eigentakt class D modules fed by a Chord Hugo TT2 (which is DAC digital preamplifier) and I wouldn't switch back. I've replaced 8 boxes (DAC+PS; Pre+2PSs;Power; Headphone amp+PS) with two and it sounds crystal clear which I prefer. Less is more for me.
Back in 2013 I replaced a pair of Cary 300SE monoblocks amps (Class A, 9watts - yes, nine watts - per channel) with an ARCAM AVR600 because I wanted multichannel audio as an option whilst still focusing on stereo listening. I was very pleased with its performance versus the superb Cary monos for my ALMARRO M2A speakers.
It was only later when I found some technical resources on Class G amps (as in the Arcam) that I understood this amplification was Class A up to 30 watts per channel. I am still very happily running the ARCAM AVR600 (only ever used as an amplifier, not for video processing).
An interesting coincidence for me in John's podcast is that he is partnering with Srajan. My ALMARRO M2A speakers are from 2005-10 period and I have only ever found two reviews of them and one was by Srajan on his 6Moons site....and a glowing one!!
Thanks to John & Srajan for offering more confirmation of my original decision re Class G amplification.
As a former network engineer, I was about to say something... but I never would have thought about audio streaming and the latency factor effecting audio. Does the client not account for that and add some buffering so that no frames are lost?
Just think about the potential latency you can get because of TCP/IP packet resend depending on network conditions, topology etc. And streamers can add additional layers (on top of TCP) of error correction techniques (forward error correction, back error correction, etc) to ensure quality on the media signal. So yes, you always have a buffer in the endpoints of media streaming to ensure you will not get drops in time dimension.
I have a unity Nova and it's a wimp in terms of power. I've had it shut down a number of times playing it loud in a 12x14 bedroom with a number of different speakers. It's supposed to have 80 watts which should be plenty but for whatever reason it's a wimpy 80 watts in my world. If you like to play loud and want to use a typical lower efficiency box speaker you may be disappointed. I'm sure others have had the same problem, hence the PE version.
Isobaric can be faced the same way and move together or be in a clamshell and work in a push pull configuration. The main reason why you don't see them that much anymore is cost and also we have better drivers than 60 years ago when they needed huge cabinets for big sound. When they came out with the AR sealed boxes that kinda changed everything.
I have listened to Naim PE class D in Bristol and it sounded nice to me. Even in untreated hotel room. I think that’s the most important … either one like the sound or not… does not matter how it is achieved … at least to me. It’s like wine … one can do so many manipulations in growing or making it but what matters is the end product and our personal taste. A lot of good amps from Aavik Daniel Hertz are class D now and they do sound nice so maybe it’s just a simple evolution ?
I’d love to hear an expanded discussion on WiFi vs Ethernet for streaming. Perhaps a video showing and discussing side by side comparisons.
Why would they be different?
The cartridge that Srajan is referring to is known as Small form-factor pluggable (SFP), they come in different types and speeds based on your
cables and endpoints.
Tried class D. Punchy as but I was soon back to A/B.
I have an Arcam Class G integrated amp and I love the sound it produces. Maybe you should review the new Arcam Stadia A25.
This is so telling and much needed. After my system finally got to a point that the music was very engaging on most tracks I played, that final piece of the puzzle really was simply adding a switch to my ethernet chain, paired with a filter and a well made cat6a cable. It made a very big difference, and I'm glad to see that taking these steps are verified by John and Srajan. I feel validated (and not so much a complete audiophile nut)!
Didn’t Elac first active speakers use class a/b amplification? Thanks again for putting out another video with Srajan. Keep you the great work!
@DarkoAudio I believe you got Class A wrong. Class A amps use just one output switching transistor -- NOT positive and negative pairs. The single output transistor is biased around the middle of its capability and is never driven into its cut-off or saturation. This allows the transistor to conduct current over the full 360 degrees of the input cycle. If you google for Class A and Class AB schematics, the difference is clear.
Only one transistor? So Class A can *only* be single-ended?
@DarkoAudio wait, do you mean to tell me there are push-pull implementations explained in detail by Jason Stoddard from Schiit available online for all to read?
Class A can be single ended and it can also be push pull. Single ended class A can never ever have crossover distortion. Push pull class a is designed to have no crossover at normal loads. But I can imagine that it might leave A operation at full load at 2 ohms or something like that.
@michaelsparrow4798 Class A amplifiers can be either be single ended ( in which case they need a large blocking capacitor to stop DC destroying speakers ) or a push/pull dual rail. Class AB amps are to my knowledge always dual rail, which is probably where your confusion comes from, they have the transistor biased on all the time to above the Base / emitter voltage ( typically 0.6v ) to stop the unused transistor switching off. The advantage of class A is that the transistor bias does not have to increase with the signal. If it doesn’t have a signal, it just creates heat. You could have a 100w class AB amplifier that has say 10w of class A, it would just have to have a huge heatsink as it would typically dissipate 800w of power ( to be able to drive a 2ohm load)
Push pull class A vs single ended is where some confusion comes class a/b is basically a low biased PP class A
You've left out the happy medium, class G. It was used by Hitachi, Bob Carver, and is currently used by Arcam. They tend to run deep, say 3-5 watts at class A, and use a feed forward circuit to switch on successive power supply nodes as needed so there is enough power to keep the class b crossover distortion low while keeping the power consumption very low. You use class A for the vast majority of amplification for most music on most speakers in most rooms without having to keep an A/B amps permanent bias very high. They are very efficient. -- Edit you did mention it. But not much.
What % of ALL amps are Class G? Answer that and you’ll see why we only gave it a passing mention.
I definitely appreciate the mention. I am an Arcam user, but it does seem to be something that Best Buy in the States advertises as a step down from McIntosh, so that number may grow (granted the client may not know it is class G). I appreciate the video.
Srajan is correct about Class G. It has a number of power rails which are switched in as power demands are increased. When the signal is low these supplies are in idle thus reducing the power used. Sorry John but Lindorff and Peachtree are a versions of class D. They get their "digital"label from the way the input signals are processed through to the output stage. I agree the clever marketing does give a different impression. cheers G.
It does look sexy, but Naim really are taking the Micheal here. You can only live off your naim (see what I did there) for so long. £10K for a Class D, 150W. I don’t care what the amplification method is, does it sound good? Price wise, they really are pushing the limit to what they can get away with. I suppose they’ll no doubt introduce a power supply option for £5K even though it’s Class D. 😂 I auditioned the original version and left it in the shop.
Agreed
Heating problems? With a LM 805 you get beautiful sound, plenty of power and fantastic glowing valves. It’s like a fireplace with great musical quality… and you can do tuberoling. When you got a transistoramp you are stuck! Please get out of this transistor trouble. I haven’t seen any propa’ review on tube amps on your programme Darko?!
What’s the readon for this?
You haven't seen tube amps on this channel because you haven't looked 😉
On the topic of fiber optics VS ethernet..... That's why they have memory buffers in modern switches and routers. So it would not matter timestamp wise. The data from a source arrives way faster to the destination than you can listen to. So error handling would have plenty of time to correct the signal if there was any fault in the TCP/IP packaging. There is also a memory buffer in your DAC or streaming service receiver, either it being a RaspBerryPi using Roon or Volumio or a fancy streamer like Eversolo DMP 6 or 8. Therefore, this 'Fiberoptics' is nonsense. Look to improve on speakers, DAC and source files instead for the best gain in sound quality. Spend your money wisely, to gain maximum return.
I'm learning but if I'm happy with my speakers and avr your saying don't get buy an amp? But if I upgrade my speakers that would be way more money. So can people blind a/b test their speakers with an amp off and then on, and it's not really a big deal? I just thought an amp would improve the speakers sound a bit.
Great video - first time I've tried one of your podcasts and very glad I did - both informative and educational - looking forward to more like this in the future :)
My stuff is cat6a compatible i switched my old cables out 7 mos ago. Use the flat version and little clips with adhesive to route. Super easy cheap and clean. Not noticeable unless u look for it. Two sided tape is cleaner but more effort (not much more ) if your picky about the clips being visable. Its 13$ for 50ft of 6a. Definitely a improvment over wifi if thats how u stream. Mutiple colors of cable are redily available as well.
I've gone from budget Class A/B (Denon) to budget Class D (Topping, Fosi, Crown, Micca) then back to budget Class A/B (Denon AVR). In the budget segment at least - I prefer the A/B sound - sounds fuller but definitely less resolving
Since you called out network engineers; I'm going to have to say, "I'm a cyber security engineer and that network related segment was though to listen too".
Also any IT admin who thinks that 5mins is an acceptable time for a printout to start being rendered at a printer should not be an IT admin. Everything is time dependent at the workplace, ask any online bank if things are not time dependent...or online gaming for a less critical example. Having said all that, great content as usual.
And your spelling is hard to look at. 👍
Im vintage haha. Old school tube amplifiers in pre and poweramps two monoblocks working in Class AB push pull. At 23 watts with 91db speakers.
All homemade. I have lend good a Class D amplifier. A Primare A35.2 power amplifier, i must say Class D today with this brand i was suppriced it was musical.
But a more lifely musical from my tubes had more darkness where music is better placed. But overall for what is possible today with Class D it is wonderful. Little expensive too😏 nice video explanation about Class a a/b and d
I would love to see you review the Def Tech D-11's. I just purchased a pair and I am absolutely pleased with them in every way but given that I value your opinion unlike any other, your review of these speakers is important given their value to sound quality proposition.
With my Parasound JC5 power amp I'm
Class A/AB and love what itdoes because of how it sounds not because of how it works.
Great conversation, more content like this please.
I wonder if the GANFET technology might not solve some of the high end 'hardness' of the existing Class D amplification (to the extent that it still exists).
Some do: the Orchard Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.0 does it all perfectly.
Only class D I've had was a Ncore-based one. Bought in to the hype a bit. Stunning clarity and definition, bass in particular, like nothing I'd had before in various amps - AB solid state, valve, and hybrid/MOSFET ones. But over time it didnt feel right. All the detail was there but something unnatural about it - especially the tip end. Again, feel. Went back to AB amps and now a class A.
I am heading to Florida AudioExpo tomorrow ..and I will be asking the team that question about the Uniti Nova PE .. " what kind of amp module is it "
.. I'll post the conversation at the show on my socials.
I’ve just swapped my Roksan K3 (A/B) for a Cambridge Evo 150. Did it to get down to one box. Different sound but I’m really enjoying the convenience and more importantly the sound from the Evo. Bass is great and tight and it’s more revealing. I think it’s more neutral in its sound. I wonder whether class A/B is warmer but more coloured? Hmmmm.
Orchard Audio uses ganfet technology and is a reasonably priced. 2 ohm stable amp.
I have a pair of Classe Sigma monoblock amplifiers and they sound wonderful, transiently fast, but not lacking any warmth.
Class D finally, finally (when looking at the best designs) can compete with A & AB.
Class D will eventually become the norm. Too many advantages. Pro audio has been class D for a long time.
The discussion on use of glass fibre/Ethernet/galvanic isolation immediately reminded me of Small Green Computers and their network streamer product line.
I started using their microRendu many years ago as a Roon endpoint, but benefitting from its galvanic isolation. This early little marvel was eventually replaced by optical-fibre linked modules ("Optical Rendu").
In the end I did not understand whether Srajan's approach was in any way different from the SMG product lineup.
Another speaker brand, Audiovector from Denmark use an isobaric bass driver set up in their R6 and R8 Speakers, very neat use of technology !
Much Audiovector love here.
🇩🇰👌🏻
@@marcus1970 just picked up a set of the new qr5 se.. almost broken in and sounding great !
I'm perplexed by the argument that network noise filters and/or electrical isolation (e.g. via an optical connection) improves only streaming music. If ethernet was causing inteference in the audio output, then ANY network traffic would be a problem even when playing local files from disc! Maybe a double-blind listening test would settle the question. BTW w.r.t galvanic isolation, my understanding is that ethernet switches have this by design. Without it, ground loops and surges could damage the switches.
Yes, it is audiophile BS. Bit perfect is bit perfect, and isolated from electrical noise, the signal is as good as it gets. And, yeah, Ethernet is galvanically isolated by design.
Watching this made me realise I am not an audiophile.
On the contrary the fact that you watched it confirms that you are :)
Please explain. How do you define "audiophile" and how did watching this video cause you to realize that you are outside of that definition?
Hybrid integrated amplifiers combine class-A preamplifier topology with class-A/B or D amplifier topology. I'm well versed in amplifier topology and I think seasoned audiophiles are too or at the very least they know what they like and which brands make a preferred sound signature. Personally I prefer the sound signature of the current generation McIntosh solid state class A/B amplification for speakers. There's a directness to the sound signature or maybe a better description is a coupling effect, this did not impress me at first but now everything else sounds broken to me that does not have the directness of McIntosh amplification, I shouldn't say broken because I love the sound signature of 300B triodes and triodes in general, I love the sound of budget tier amps like Onkyo, I'll mix it up to keep things interesting but I always go back my McIntosh rig after a few days, there's something about those McIntosh output autoformers that can make other amps sound broken in direct comparison
KEF R3 Meta in the background 😎
Oh, half-WIDTH box. I thought you said half-WIT! I was thinking, finally, a box for me!
Lol
Lol I heard the same thing! …and I was going to actually accept it as a subtle bit of Darko humor.. ;-P
How about a Readers Digest edited version that doesn't go for an hour and a half!?
Sure thing. I'll get right on it...
The reason you do not see it much in home audio is that houses tend to have plenty of space so a large cabinet is not a problem. You say it often int he 1990's in car audio where space is limited in some applications. It allowed you to put say 4 inch drivers in the same space that would allow 1 15" subwoofer or 2 12" subwoofers for instance. Play with that as you will.
Everyone is so excited about the Nova PE, but I'm really curious about the CI-102 Uniti. It's designed for custom installations, sure. But it costs 1500 euros, it's tiny, quite nice looking, and if it sounds like a Naim it could be a bargain!
My favourite HiFi youtuber.❤
You both often use the word "switching", maybe you should explain what that means in this context.
A Class D Amp's transistors are either fully open or fully closed and they are switching between these states.
Therefore they run so cool, 'cause there's no loss when they are closed fully and there's little loss when they are fully open.
Cool thing!
do they switch on and off or positive to negative in class b ?. the crown dc300a is class b and certainly doesn't sound unpleasant . i am curious to know if there are harmonic artefacts that make it down to the audio band with class D .
Kef LS50s and LS60s are Class A/B for highs/mids and Class D for low fwiw.
I own two GaNFET amplifiers--the AGD Audion Monoblocks and the Technics SU-R1000. They are both superb and compete against anything. Very much the future of Class D.
I think class AD is the future ( Devialet is doing it ). And GaN transistors. It'll replace class AB and advantage is that it doesn't switch from A to AB class but it uses 10W class A and powerful ( 150W or more ) class D. So Class A gives that nice warm sound and musicality whilst class D gives the punch.
Didn't know where to post general comments and review requests, so I'll do it here. Just wanted to say that I throoughly enjoy your content, and I've been following your RUclips channel for a couple of years now. Your channel is very informative, cuts through the BS, and I appreciate the honesty you provide. Based on your review and recommendation, I purchased a set of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G speakers (in British Racer Green, not because I'm from the UK, but because they look awesome) about a year ago and was left thoroughly satisfied with the purchase.
I recently saw your review of the Sony A-306. Was wondering if you had tried out the NX-707 (i.e. the Japan version, and not the US version which is extremely power limited) and what your thoughts were on the device? Also, as an audiophile, I was wondering if you have a discrete soundcard for your PC and, if so, are there specific use cases where you feel like it's worth the investment? Thanks!
John, please consider reviewing AGD Audion monoblocks! I would love to hear your impressions. Tx!
My dad has developed a top notch class ab about 35 years ago and im still using it today. When getting my first stereo it inspired him to build a newer Version with specs that would decimate modern consumer Devices so i am definitely on the ab side of the discussion. Of course the inefficiencies of class a and ab are a turn off but lets be honest who really needs 600 Watts into 4ohms with a loss of maybe 250w these days? Especcially in modern homes 100-150w are really enough and with that the inefficiencies arent that big of a Deal any more.
Lol, talking about modern homes, a 150W class A is a no-go, unless you turn off other consumers...most modern homes here in central europe have a 25A fuse for the whole household as a maximum...running the "fantastic" 150W class A amp at full, good luck with it's efficiency of less than 25%.😂
I believe the ELAC Adante AS-61speakers designed by Andrew Jones has a similar (not isobaric) type of double woofer construction. One is a passive radiator, though. That speaker apparently didn't measure very smooth.
Hey John, your started to cost me a packtol : cxa81 r3meta adi2dacfs as a preamp but this one is definitely out of my pourse 😅
The best design is 30W to50W in class A and the rest 70W+ in class AB with original transistors from the 80's and 90's, mono blocks with transformers each 500W, 80000uf caps per block. Everything else is just the same crap and cutting corners. And lets not forget tube preamp is the key. It is very important for an amp to have 5 times the power in power supply, example, if the amp is 100W on 4ohm the transformer should be 500W..That's why expensive amps weight 30kg plus...just the power supply weighs 15kg..
It’s been more than two years since I said goodbye to classes A and AB in favor of class D, I don’t hear a difference with class A. Switching power supply.
Class A on tweeter, Class A or A/B in the mid-range, and class D for the woofers with digital crossover.
That is super specific. I have just recapped a Sansui Ba-f1 power amp from the 70s but sadly it only has four 63000 uF caps. I guess it goes out in the trash tomorrow. Darn.
@@axerake curious, the beauty of Class A is the speed of the bass. Think of it like this. When you turn on a Class A amp, it fills to full power, then when speakers experience a quick transit in the form of an explosion, the power is there and ready, it does haven't to pull power from the wall.
I would be curious as to the age spread on the opinions about class D. There seems to be a number of opinions that extol the virtues of class D, but decide there is some vague feeling that turns them off after awhile. I'm older, 60+, and admit to a fear or prejudice against class D until I built my own amp with the Hypex nc-400 modules a few years ago. I have been converted and anytime I go back to my big Marantz (at the time) top of the line receiver or my vintage 1980 Yamaha integrated, I feel there is something missing and the comparison is not even close.
To mitigate the rumored class D harshness, I also bought the Freya+ pre-amp. If you dial in the tubes, it does give a slightly smoother sound, but I find myself listening in solid state mode more often than in tube mode due to the better detail. I love the new class D and can't recall hearing a better a/b amp. Not sure I have really experienced true class A.
Finally, I am a bit green, and the efficiency of class D should not be discounted.
Because you switch at some certain frequency doesnt mean that the switching harmonics cannot be at higher frequencies. Switching harmonics of a PWM modulated converter is generally at mulitples of the switching frequencie and the corresponding sidebands.
Exactly, because it is the speed of the rising and falling edges that create the very high harmonics. So an amplifier that switches at a "rate" of say 550KHz can generate harmonics up into the 10s of MHz.
Very interesting and informative