[TJB]

Mr. Tanner,
I'm new to the hi-fi world and fascinating to me are the Class AB versus Class D debates.  Having said that, I wonder why established brands like Bryston have not embraced the technology.  Stated otherwise, why hasn't Bryston produced any Class D amps? 

[gbaby]

This issue has been addressed by Bryston many many years ago. I'm writing strictly from memory but I believe it was established years ago that Class D amps aren't sufficient or capable to perform up to Bryston's standards for music reproduction. I do know that Class D amps cannot produce the bass quality of Class A/B amps.

[James Tanner]

Hi Folks,

We have done some Class D amps in the past but mainly for multi-room and distributed audio applications.  We also use Class D amps in our Subwoofers - so we are familiar with the technology.

james

[zoom25]

I do know that Class D amps cannot produce the bass quality of Class A/B amps.

Is that right

[Markwatkiss]

Class D has come along way in the last several years,unfortunately it's proprietary design does not favour an accurate presentation of music.This opinion is based solely on my own experiences with Class D amplification in my system.

[gbaby]

Is that right

Maybe not, but Class D overall does not have the fidelity of Class A/B. I forgot that my subs have Class D amps so maybe its fine for bass but not the higher frequencies.

[whell]

Class D has come along way in the last several years,unfortunately it's proprietary design does not favour an accurate presentation of music.This opinion is based solely on my own experiences with Class D amplification in my system.

Thanks for that qualifier at the end.  Careful matching of components can make as much difference in a system as the components themselves.  In my case, I've noticed class D amplification can make some recordings sound great, and others sound just awful.  Is it Class D?  Is it a poorly engineered recording? Something else?  Not sure I can lay it all at the feet of Class D amplification.

[sfraser]

Interesting topic as I just picked up a couple of used Crown XLS Class D amps. They are currently installed running for my in ceiling kitchen speakers and my screened rear porch speakers . When I have an opportunity, I will swap one into my family room system, replacing the 9B ST currently being used. I will report back with my findings .

[gdbalp]

Hi Folks,

We have done some Class D amps in the past but mainly for multi-room and distributed audio applications.  We also use Class D amps in our Subwoofers - so we are familiar with the technology.

james

And the question is now if Bryston would consider Class D amplifiers for future development for the audio, or non subwoofer applications?

Bryston 875 HT amplifier was a good example from the past and it would be great for new Dolby Atmos speaker ceiling applications...
There has been a lot of developments on the Class D amplifiers in the recent years, seems to be a trend...

Luigi

[hayden]

Maybe not, but Class D overall does not have the fidelity of Class A/B. I forgot that my subs have Class D amps so maybe its fine for bass but not the higher frequencies.

So, you have heard the best new (Purifi) class d amps and objectively compared them to a/b amps?

[donpinar]

I would rather see Bryston do a hybrid amp or integrated amplifier. I know James won't buy into it but other manufacturers have been having varying degrees of success with hybrid designs. I don't think it's a fad as some very significant designers have leaned to this direction with great sounding results.

[James Tanner]

Hi Folks,

Our mantra has always been to search out and develop products that are as linear as possible to their input.  So far that is Class A/B.

That's not to say other classes of amplification should be ignored but so far we feel our current designs are the best available if linearity is the goal.

james

[melody50]

I have Class D integrate, need high sensitivity speakers to sound good

[jobiwon]

What about the amps with GaN-FET technology like Techniques SU-R1000?

[gbaby]

So, you have heard the best new (Purifi) class d amps and objectively compared them to a/b amps?

I do not know what "Purify" means. But, I have heard a few Class D amps, not the latest, and after hearing them I knew I'd never consider them especially for serious listening. Many of the new Class D amps are made for DJs. I believe Crown is one of the manufacturers. If you are in a club environment and you are spirited, class D amplification will not matter. But, for half way critical listening, they won't measure up. However, I do believe that Theta has dablled in Class D amplification, but I'll stick with Class A/B and even Class A as I own a First Watt Aleph J. However, even though my speakers will play 96db @ 1 meter with a 1 watt input, I opted to use regularly my Bryston 2.5sst2. The Class A amp has a power output of about 20 wpc whereas the Class A/B amp has 135 wpc.

[Jon L]

What about the amps with GaN-FET technology like Techniques SU-R1000?

Even the Technics costs $10K.
I hear good things about just-shipping LSA electronics GAN 350 amp, which only costs $3000:
https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/lsa-electronics

[GrooveControl]

The newish Marantz Model 30 is class d.  I was a bit surprised.  Haven’t heard it yet, but it looks like d is getting there.

https://stereo-magazine.com/review/marantz-model-30-review

[hayden]

I do not know what "Purify" means. But, I have heard a few Class D amps, not the latest, and after hearing them I knew I'd never consider them especially for serious listening. Many of the new Class D amps are made for DJs. I believe Crown is one of the manufacturers. If you are in a club environment and you are spirited, class D amplification will not matter. But, for half way critical listening, they won't measure up. However, I don believe that Theta has dablled in Class D amplification, but I'll stick with Class A/B and even Class A as I own a First Watt Aleph J. However, even though my speakers will play 96db @ 1 meter with a 1 watt input, I opted to use regularly my Bryston 2.5sst2. The Class A amp has a power output of about 20 wpc whereas the Class A/B amp has 135 wpc.

At least respect the company enough to get the name correct - Purifi. Do some research and you will see that their new modules are some of the best measuring amplifiers ever produced. Bryston and other companies could do far worse than look into this technology.

[James Tanner]

Hi

Yes we have had some samples of the Purifi modules (Bruno Putzeys latest) and they measure very well.

james

[newzooreview]

Even the Technics costs $10K.
…GAN 350 amp, which only costs $3000

Peachtree also sells one for $3000. https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/collections/amplifiers/products/gan400

GaN is used in wall warts, so I think companies are charging what they think the market will bear. The technology isn't inherently expensive and has been used in industrial power supplies for years because it is energy efficient. Sound is another thing. I'm sure Bryston has investigated GaN given how readily available it is.