[simoon]

Many people here are familiar with Class D Audio's other amps, kits, and amp modules, and their pretty impressive price to performance ratio.

It looks like they have a new amp, using Gallium Nitride class D modules.

I heard another, much more expensive GaN class D amp a few years ago at T.H.E. Show in Long Beach, and it sounded great.

Just wondering if anyone has heard Class D Audio's version?

http://www.classdaudio.com/mini-gan-5-balanced-power-amplifier.html

[Phil A]

I have one. I got it when it was $699. I bought it for HT in the main system. While my main system preamp has HT Bypass (integrated AV system), the amp I use sounds better in balanced and the back of the system is difficult to get to. So I have the mini GaN amp connected to to receiver’s preamp outs and I just swap speaker cables to watch a movie.

I broke the mini GaN amp in using a secondary system (B&W P6 speakers, Sherbourn preamp and Panasonic UB-9000 playing files from my NAS). I played it about 8 days straight (lowering the volume at night and closing the door). I thought it acquitted itself very well at its price point. I thought it was nearly as good as my Mivera SE amp I have in there (which I’ll likely sell as I changed to a 9 channel receiver without preamp outs as I basically use the system as my UHD HT). I’ve had other amps in and out of the system which I own or have owned. It smoked an Emotiva XPA200 I used to have and was clearly better than my old Bryston 3BST. I have an EVS 1200 (dual mono modded IcePower) in the main system which I broke in using the secondary system but it was not in the same league as that amp, which was more expensive).

The mini Ga amp in the main system is driving my Thiel 3.7s, which are not an easy load with no issues.  It’s so light and easy to move around, I can readily unhook it and move it to the UHD secondary system after I sell the Mivera for few times per year I want to listen to music via the Sherbourn preamp. The mini GaN is an excellent value.

[jtwrace]

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/gallium-nitride-amplifier-impressions-of-the-mini-gan-5-by-premium-audio-pictures-video-inside.26698/

[dwmaggie]

I also purchased a Mini Gan5 at 699.00.  Nice amp, clarity and detail rival My various Cherry amps.  I did not test it at very loud levels.  My biggest concern is in the power supply, the amp is only as big as a typical Tom Clancy hardback.  My Cherries have a dedicated power supply that is about the size of Michener's 2 volume Texas opus.

[jjss49]

see my informal write up on this nice little amp on a-gon (under the same username)

[jtwrace]

The objective review is up


https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/premium-audio-mini-gan-5-review-stereo-amplifier.27118/#post-931199

[RolandButcher]

FWIW, Peachtree Audio has the GaN400 Power Amp at a significantly higher price point ($3k). 

https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/products/gan400

[Phil A]

I don't place much faith in general about ASR reviews (or many others especially when I have first hand knowledge seeing what the product does or does not do).  As far as the Peachtree, LSA Voyager and upcoming Wyred4Sound GaN amp (all $3k), it is my understanding they all use the same GaN module and there are differences in wiring, switches, cases, etc.  The mini GaN amp doesn't have a great power supply (vs. other things - e.g. noted above the Cherry amps), case or jacks.  Think of it as a budget amp.  One could of course buy their own module - https://www.mouser.com/new/gan-systems/gan-sys-gs-evb-aud-xx1-gs-audio-evb/    https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/GaN-Systems/GS-EVB-AUD-AMP1-GS/?qs=vHuUswq2%252Bsym8eVHEaFTmw%3D%3D   https://gansystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GS-EVB-AUD-xxx1-GS_Technical-Manual_Rev-200526.pdf  and build their own.  To me the mini GaN is an adequate amp to drive many things and is fine for HT or a very entry level 2-channel system (for my UHD HT -  where I could drag it in there since the receiver does not have preamp outs and I have a Sherbourn preamp in a room about 180 square feet with 90db speakers, it is fine for the couple of times/year I may listen to 2-channel in there).

I noted I prefer my souped up Mivera IcePower amp (everything is upgraded in it) for 2 channel music.  The manufacturing arm of Class D Audio also has another site (https://premium-audio.com/hd-music-streamers.html) where they sell a budget Rasberry Pi streamer.  It is at the same address is Corona, CA.  The streamer is intended to mate with mini GaN amp.  If one is expecting a $700-800 amp with GaN technology at this point in time as giant killer vs. what else is available, they will be disappointed.  Most of what I've seen about current Class D amps (and some of them sound great) is that the first or second things that the signal passes through are cheap op amps (and manufacturers of some of them indicate the warranty is void if you open the case - no surprise).  I suspect in a few years that there will be Class D amps will have discrete stages (vs. the op amps) and be killer but cost more money.  People who have bought the Peachtree and LSA amps seem to be very happy with them.

For those interested in hearing what a decent Class D can do vs. a mega buck audio amp there's an interesting demo on YouTube - here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRtQuIWOzN8  and here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afyqwXAYQTw     It is a $1.7k Rouge Audio Dual Mono IcePower (https://en.rougeaudiodesign.com/studio-n-10   Studio N-10DM) vs. an undisclosed (at this point) expensive amp.  I have a modded dual mono amp with the same modules in my main system (http://tweakaudio.com/EVS-2/EVS_1200_amplifier.html  - the pictures are of my actual amp).  There will be more Class D amps coming within the next year.

[jjss49]

agree w phil - asr reviews are generally a waste of time

[Phil A]

I have a friend who is a reviewer.  Many moons ago, he told me a story of a reviewer who was obsessed with measurements.  He lived in a warmer climate and apparently his system was in a building other than the main house (and was just one room).  He didn't have any additional outlets to plug an amplifier into so he ran a 50 foot cheapo outdoor extension cord from the main house to it (and it was likely a 16 gauge cord from memory vs. something more heavy duty to handle the current).

A good review should include what components were used in conjunction with listening (and a non listening review is exactly what it is - a comparion of tested specs vs. manufacturers specs and not a review at all), what if any similar products where swapped in and out to reach conclusions and also something about the listening environment.  Here's a thread - https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/lsa-voyager-gan-amplifier  and note comments from 8-6-2021 "Last week I got the mini GAN from class D audio. I have been very impressed with this little amp. I also have the Carver Crimson 275 tube and Van Alstine synergy 450  SS amp. Frankly I like it better than AVA amp and as good as the Crimson 275 with much more power and bass impact. I have also ordered the Voyager 350 and waiting for its delivery."  So someone has some frame of reference about what other things the user has experienced.

So I'm going to give my take about the mini-GaN amp from actually listening to it.  A picture of my main room and the secondary system where I broke the amp in are included (although they may be a year or two old).  I have a one third octave RTA and room treatments.  Rather than make the room like like a studio with Sonex all over the walls, I try it minimize any room issues via speaker and sub (and my subs in each room use a high level connection for music with an appropriate crossover point for the situation) placement and treatments.

A note on the pros and cons from below.  I did not test the different gain settings (the amp has a 3 position switch which I left in the middle).  I did not use the balanced inputs.  I tried the 12v trigger and found it didn't work well with my Onkyo tx-nr3100 12v trigger.  It would work one time and the next time the left and right channel would not be on (the amp apparently stayed in standy) so I just removed the cable (and tried more than one cable and I didn't evaluate where the problem might be as it is easy to get to the power switch).

Pros
can handle difficult impedances at normal HT volumes in a large room (https://www.stereophile.com/content/thiel-cs37-loudspeaker-measurements    - my speakers
compact size
very nice sounding at its price point and can best even some used nice Class AB amps
for the money hard to beat with the power output and the sound

Cons
Case, jacks and power supply could be of better quality (if an upgrade was offered by the manufacturer it would be something to consider)
I believe the case is made of steel.  It is magnetic.
The blue LEDs shine thru the top of the case openinga (I use a projector and putting on the top shelf is a problem)

Some of the music (it was done months ago) I used to evaluate the amp when I broke the amp in using the secondary system (B&W P6s) - CD quality files 16/44.1 unless otherwise noted
Cristina Branco "A Case of You"
Dire Straits "Private Investigations"  24/44.1
Jennifer Warnes "And so it Goes"  single rate DSD file
Clair Martin "Riverman" single rate DSD file
Stevie Ray Vaughan "Tin Pan Alley"  single rate DSD file
O-Zone Percussion Group "Jazz Variants"  (fun track good for bass and highs- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGJfFYvr2ck)
Andris Nelsons - Shostakovich Under Stalin's Shadow - Symphony No. 10 (24-96) 4th cut
Grieg: The Complete Symphonic Works Vol. 3 by WDR SO (5th cut) single rate DSD file
Al di Meola - "The Embrace"
Bela Fleck - "Flight of the Cosmic Hippo"  24/96

[goryu]

Subjective reviews tell me nothing as far as how something will sound to me. I like to know first of all if a product is well engineered, meets its advertised specs, and is compatible with other equipment. The fact the Mini Gan doesn't meet it's advertised specs, doesn't seem all that well engineered, and has major frequency dependence with load, all according to the testing and measurements done on the asr site, tells me it isn't worth further consideration.

[dwmaggie]

Phil A, I would agree with everything you have written above.  It is a great little entry level amplifier.  The Mini and all of my class D amps sound/seem better than my 50-60 pound class A/B amps.  The music bubbles up/spurts out from the back wall, speakers disappear, all that is left is the sound of music in all it's glory.  The Mini Gan5 is waiting for me to program my Marantz 8801 and then it will be used as an Atmos amp for my ceiling speakers.  Phil as an aside, I have the Sherbourn PT7010a pre/pro currently in use for HT.  I have given away a Parasound Halo C2 and various Merdian preamps-but not my Sherbourn.  Thank you for the even handed comments and review.

[sebrof]

see my informal write up on this nice little amp on a-gon (under the same username)

I contributed a post or two on that thread as well. I bought because there is a lot of buzz about Gallium Nitride amps on the interwebs and I was curious.
Long story short, in the two systems mine was used in (my system and a friend's) it performed really well, especially considering the $750 asking price. My friend has had other Class D amps in his system, didn't like them, and said the Mini GaN sounded nothing like them.

[jjss49]

sebrof

i agree the mini gan 5 sounds nothing like other class d (non gan) units like those using icepower or purifi or hypex modules, it is a very nice sounding (and pretty powerful) piece, without many, even most traditional or typical class a/b or class d sonic shortcomings

*** *** ***

as for those of us who insist on using specs and measurements to select gear, instead of relying more on other experienced and credible users' feedback (individual taste differences noted), all i would say is -- good for you, this is just a hobby, we all do it for enjoyment, so everyone can and should do exactly what makes them happy about their choices

[Letitroll98]

as for those of us who insist on using specs and measurements to select gear, instead of relying more on other experienced and credible users' feedback (individual taste differences noted), all i would say is -- good for you, this is just a hobby, we all do it for enjoyment, so everyone can and should do exactly what makes them happy about their choices

Very nicely said.  I like reading ASR, it's fun looking at the specs compared to manufacturer specs, but I don't assign any value as to sound quality from those reviews.  And because he has such a large volume of reviews it's likely the product you own or are interested in is there.  My only issue with the site is the forum where measurement fan boys can get pretty aggressive.

[poseidonsvoice]

Honestly fellas the ASR objective review highlights the engineering issues with their (Class D audio mini GaN 5) implementation of GaN technology. There is nothing wrong with the technology, it’s with the implementation.

Why not purchase from a great designer who has the engineering chops AND has great subjective reviews to boot? Leo Ayzenshtat of Orchard Audio:

https://orchardaudio.com/mono

Here is my build of his design in my own enclosure:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/orchard-audio-bosc-ganfet-class-d-vs-hypex-co.15980/#post-514626

It is my Class D reference from a bonafide engineer with no excuses. It isn’t easy to get it right. And there are many versions of the Starkrimson design by Orchard Audio that you can purchase- just browse his site.

Best,
Anand.

[jtwrace]

Honestly fellas the ASR objective review highlights the engineering issues with their (Class D audio mini GaN 5) implementation of GaN technology. There is nothing wrong with the technology, it’s with the implementation.

Why not purchase from a great designer who has the engineering chops AND has great subjective reviews to boot? Leo Ayzenshtat of Orchard Audio:

https://orchardaudio.com/mono

Here is my build of his design in my own enclosure:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/orchard-audio-bosc-ganfet-class-d-vs-hypex-co.15980/#post-514626

It is my Class D reference from a bonafide engineer with no excuses. It isn’t easy to get it right. And there are many versions of the Starkrimson design by Orchard Audio that you can purchase- just browse his site.

Best,
Anand.

And you can learn about Leo here.

[goryu]

Honestly fellas the ASR objective review highlights the engineering issues with their (Class D audio mini GaN 5) implementation of GaN technology. There is nothing wrong with the technology, it’s with the implementation.

Why not purchase from a great designer who has the engineering chops AND has great subjective reviews to boot? Leo Ayzenshtat of Orchard Audio:

Exactly.

[jjss49]

Why not purchase from a great designer who has the engineering chops AND has great subjective reviews to boot? Leo Ayzenshtat of Orchard Audio:

https://orchardaudio.com/mono

no knock on orchard, but one reason i can think of is $750 vs $1500 (another is 1 vs 3 yr product warranty)

sometimes people prefer a 'cheap and cheerful' solution

i have alberto's agd audions for my main system, and i find tom's mini gan 5 sound just fine (and fine indeed) in my second rig, fed by a nice soekris dac driving my trusty harbeths

[sebrof]

Why not purchase from a great designer who has the engineering chops AND has great subjective reviews to boot? Leo Ayzenshtat of Orchard Audio:

https://orchardaudio.com/mono

I would have bought from Orchard but they were out of stock at the time, not sure now.

Another friend of mine bought modules from Orchard and built a stereo amp, he is using for his just-built passive subs (I think he's got two cabinets with two JBL 2225's in each). He likes the Orchard amps but of course he's only running them for I dunno maybe 50 Hz down or something. At some point he will borrow my Mini GaN and compare.