Agree, as far as Class A/B goes, this puts another good option on the table. You have Topping's LA90s with cleaner audio but only 60w. Then you have this, which will probably be transparent for any realistic listening scenario, with more than 2x the power at the same price. I see it as a good addition to a slate of good options, if you are into Class AB.
Exactly, and I wonder what the Vidar would do in a blind A/B test. I'm not sure that the differences would be obvious against an AHB2 that costs four times as much.
Also, thanks for the internal photo. I am thinking even @restorer-john would approve.
It's a good question knowing that Schiit is supposed to test 100% of their amp before sale via APx555, it's part of their commitment... But everyone knows, marketing often goes beyond promises, it's the same for all manufacturers.
Now I know why you posted:
You want to tutor manufacturers how to evaluate/interpret APx555' test results for performance improvements.Are you hiring? ))))
At this level of distortion I think the main consideration for a user with normal middle-age hearing is the number of watts per dollar. The Vidar2 sells for $4 /W, the March P262 sells for ~$4.64 /W and the Buckeye Amps for $2.52 /W, all at 4 ohms. The price on the Vidar2 is reasonable for a class A/B Amp. that is built and serviced in the USA. I would like to see the THD+N vs frequency plot dependence for the 2-channel Buckeye Amp before deciding on going with class D.
No audible difference.
Not wishing to start a fight but I purchased a Buckeye NC252MP stereo hypex amp over 2 years ago, which drives a pair of B&W AM1 outdoor speakers effortlessly at high volumes. It puts out 120 watts into 8 ohms with balanced inputs, auto sensing on / off with 12v trigger, assembled in the USA with a 2 year warranty and works flawlessly.
www.audiosciencereview.com
Maybe that most of the high-performing class D modules have only been around for ~5 years?Not wishing to start a fight but I purchased a Buckeye NC252MP stereo hypex amp over 2 years ago, which drives a pair of B&W AM1 outdoor speakers effortlessly at high volumes. It puts out 120 watts into 8 ohms with balanced inputs, auto sensing on / off with 12v trigger, assembled in the USA with a 2 year warranty and works flawlessly.
It was reviewed and recommended by Amir who classed it as "excellent". It has much better performance characteristics, and at US$575, is nearly a third of the price of the Schiit vidar in stereo mode.
Buckeye Amps
Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!www.buckeyeamp.com
Buckeye NC252MP Stereo Amplifier Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of the Buckeye NC252MP balanced stereo class D amplifier. It was kindly drop shipped to me by a member and costs US $575. The amp is almost the size of a loaf of bread and literally weighs nearly as much! Amazing how far amplification technology has...
The manufacturer, Dylan, has been open and transparent with forum members and has willingly adopted Amir's suggestions and as a consequence continually upgrades his product range. There are more expensive and higher performing Purifi models available if needed.
What am I missing - to me it's a no brainer.
As noted in a prior post there are vast differences to the usage of statement "assembled in the USA" and Schiit falls just short of "made in the USA". Likely because there is just too much paperwork and risk with claiming made in the USA if one of your suppliers changes where they get something without notifying you. No dig towards Dylan, I'm certain his amps are very good.
This one is listed as $799 for stereo. The math seems flawed.
I guess for those that have blown out their hearing then more watts is better. For a huge portion of the population they will likely never use more than a few dozen. It seems to always elude people on here that most listeners aren't into feeling the music actually impact their body.
Meaning? That's along time in electronics when you take into consideration the speed at which products are improving.
Apologies, my bad. I just saw the word "mono" in the first sentence. Anyway I will stick with Buckeye, have nothing but good things to say about Dylan's amps and his attitude. Each to their own.
My guess is that it depends on the level of commitment in terms of dollars that an audiophile is willing to make. A highly committed one would not mind a 2 year warranty for a ~$1K amplifier. The $500 per annum is justified in a world where the technology continues to improve, it gives you an excuse to upgrade. But if one is looking for a long term commitment (>5 years) with an established technology (class A/B, >30 years), then the Schiit option might seem more appealing. Regardless, class D is undergoing a revolution that is slowly making it into the mainstream amp. market (NAD C268 and C298 for example).
If that's your amp...
I am not sure where the seemingly established sentiment of "Class D is more short lived" comes from. I disagree with it - many things in far more critical apps have switched to electronic switches vs linear gain. I don't believe for a second longevity is a Class D weakness, but as always -and that definitely includes any other Class- it comes down to the quality of the design.
I have the exact same amp, bought exactly when yours was, and it’s now in storage while I use a $70 Aiyima amp. Though I love and admire Bryston’s quality, the value is clearly in favor of Class D these days. If it only lasts a year and a few months, I’ll be ahead on the Aiyima A07.
