[James Tanner]

Definition of Class D Amplifier

A Class D amplifier is a type of audio amplifier that uses a digital switching technology to amplify audio signals. It is also known as a switching amplifier or a digital (erroneously) amplifier. Unlike traditional analog amplifiers, which use continuous voltage waveforms to amplify signals, Class D amplifiers employ a more efficient method that switches the input signal on and off rapidly.

How Class D Amplifiers Work
Class D amplifiers work by using ‘Pulse Width Modulation’ (PWM) to convert the audio signal into a series of high-frequency pulses. These pulses are then amplified by a switching transistor, which acts as a switch that turns on and off at a high frequency. The width of the pulses determines the amplitude of the audio signal.

The audio signal is first converted into a digital format by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital signal is then processed by a digital signal processor (DSP), which generates the PWM signal based on the input signal. The PWM signal is then fed into the switching transistor, which amplifies the signal and converts it back into an analog format through a low-pass filter.

However, like any technology, Class D amplifiers also have their issues. One of the main drawbacks is the potential for distortion and noise. Due to the switching nature of the amplification process, Class D amplifiers can introduce some level of distortion and high-frequency noise into the audio signal. But recent and ongoing advancements in design and technology have largely minimized these issues.

[James Tanner]

[James Tanner]

BRYSTON CLASS D

Linear Power Supplies

By combining a class-D amplifier with a substantial analog power supply (toroidal transformer and a large storage capacitance) not the typical switching power supply, you have the muscle you need to deliver power where it's needed, when it's needed. You won't hear distortion or compression: just clean, endless sound that never clips, overheats or runs out of headroom.
Your System Is Starving

Without enough power, the dynamic scenes in music movies lack the excitement of a real world experience. When your system runs out of what is called 'dynamic headroom', it often clips, adding distortion to the signal and deflating the sonic energy of the music or video scene in front of you. But when you feed your system pure, clean power, those same scenes come to life with a realism you may have never experienced before.

Power isn't a matter of just 'loud', it's a combination of dynamic and clean that together create an impression of depth and dynamism, responding instantly to signals coming from your source material and ricocheting it back at you, driving your system to its full potential at last. Without distortion, you can turn the volume up and up and up without it ever becoming annoying because of amplifier clipping and the associated distortion.

[NIGHTFALL1970]

These are becoming increasingly interesting to me. How do they sound? Do they have a “sound “? I listen to rock, hard rock and “classic” rock. I have GR-Research Bullies, and all solid state Audio by Van Alstine equipment.  I have never owned or heard anything Class D. I don’t have any Bryston dealers anywhere near me. I owned a 4B back in the 90s and a friend of mine has owned a ton of Bryston components, so I know of Bryston’s quality. My current amps are AVA M225 mono blocks.
Are these for me?

[James Tanner]

These are becoming increasingly interesting to me. How do they sound? Do they have a “sound “? I listen to rock, hard rock and “classic” rock. I have GR-Research Bullies, and all solid state Audio by Van Alstine equipment.  I have never owned or heard anything Class D. I don’t have any Bryston dealers anywhere near me. I owned a 4B back in the 90s and a friend of mine has owned a ton of Bryston components, so I know of Bryston’s quality. My current amps are AVA M225 mono blocks.
Are these for me?

Hi nightfall - boy that's a loaded question !.  As Bryston we try to come as close to neutrality as possible given current technology.  Some people find Class D more 'clinical' but I think its one of those things you have to hear for yourself and decide given your system. There are some environmental advantages with Class D and that may sway your opinion.

best
james

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Thanks for the info James. Hopefully someone who owns them will chime in.

[Rod_S]

As someone who owns one of the new amps I can safely say it integrates seamlessly with my 5 existing Bryston Class AB amps.

I was actually thinking I would be able to hear a difference but I would have no problem living with the difference however the integration is wonderful. In my setup the speakers being powered by the BD amp are, although the same manufacturer as the speakers being powered by my AB amps, those speakers are quite different. My BD amp is a 6 channel BD-225 and my AB amps are the 4B-SST C Series, 2x28B-SST2's and 2x7B-SST2's. The 28B's power a pair of B&W 800 D2 Diamond speakers, the 7B's power a pair of B&W 802 D2 Diamond speakers and the 4B powers a B&W HTM2 D2 Diamond speaker. The BD amp currently powers 4 B&W in-ceiling CCM7.5 S2's and the remaining 2 channels will soon power a pair of B&W CWM7.3 S2's to be used as my rear surrounds. The sound integration between the various amps and speakers is incredible.

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Thanks!🙏  That’s good to know.

[James Tanner]

As someone who owns one of the new amps I can safely say it integrates seamlessly with my 5 existing Bryston Class AB amps.

I was actually thinking I would be able to hear a difference but I would have no problem living with the difference however the integration is wonderful. In my setup the speakers being powered by the BD amp are, although the same manufacturer as the speakers being powered by my AB amps, those speakers are quite different. My BD amp is a 6 channel BD-225 and my AB amps are the 4B-SST C Series, 2x28B-SST2's and 2x7B-SST2's. The 28B's power a pair of B&W 800 D2 Diamond speakers, the 7B's power a pair of B&W 802 D2 Diamond speakers and the 4B powers a B&W HTM2 D2 Diamond speaker. The BD amp currently powers 4 B&W in-ceiling CCM7.5 S2's and the remaining 2 channels will soon power a pair of B&W CWM7.3 S2's to be used as my rear surrounds. The sound integration between the various amps and speakers is incredible.

Thanks for the feedback Rod - much appreciated.
That's quite the system you have !

james

[James Tanner]

[NIGHTFALL1970]

James,
How much does a stereo version weigh?

[James Tanner]

James,
How much does a stereo version weigh?

Hi
35 KG

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Omg! How much does a six channel version weigh?

How can I purchase one? Any websites that do show them, there is no “add to cart “ button. Also, I can’t find any reviews on them anywhere.

[James Tanner]

Omg! How much does a six channel version weigh?

How can I purchase one? Any websites that do show them, there is no “add to cart “ button. Also, I can’t find any reviews on them anywhere.

The Transformer and Chassis are most of the weight so a 6 Channel is only a couple of pounds heavier.
They are brand new so the only reviews I have are from recent owners.
Send me an email - jamestanner@bryston.com.

best
james

[FullRangeMan]

I liked this amp by the linear power supply, really a nice feature.