High-end ($3000+) class-D amplifiers

[samsa]

It's the difference between an Apple laptop and an Asus laptop with the same CPU. It's the difference between a BMW 3-series and a Honda Accord with the same engine horsepower.

We're not talking "the same engine horsepower." We're talking the same engine.

The difference in price between these and an amp from MarchAudio/Nord/... is all in the leather upholstery.

 

[CDMC]

We're not talking "the same engine horsepower." We're talking the same engine.

The difference in price between these and an amp from MarchAudio/Nord/... is all in the leather upholstery.

More than that. It is really the same drivetrain, just a different body.

 

[rony]

What about Marantz Model 30?

 

[kipman725]

Powersoft X8 Dante, £10,500. 8 Channels, 5200 W @ 2 Ω (per channel). Built in DSP. single and 3 phase compatible.

https://www.powersoft.com/en/products/touring-amps/x-series/x8

 

[groovybassist]

Admittedly not class D and a bit out of left field here, but you might want to consider a Neurochrome Modulus-286 built by the designer himself (@tomchr). He’s based in Canada and the amp is class A/B, but the performance is absolutely on par with the best class D, and he’s very transparent and committed to build quality. Best of luck finding what floats your boat.

 

[rony]

@samsa and @CDMC . Honest ignorant question here after reading comments #41 and #42. Why is the founder of purufi selling Mola Mola Kaluga for upwards of $16000 (yep 16 Grand).

 

[Sugarbubble]

Technics su-r 1000. Gorgeous metalwork and with ( as far as I know ) the only implementation of feedback technology to lock down distortion at the speakers. 10k price tag but it’s only money

 

[paulraphael]

I was amazed to discover that Bel Canto made a multi-thousand $$ amp that uses the same IcePower module as my $800 Aguilar bass amp.

 

[samsa]

@samsa and @CDMC . Honest ignorant question here after reading comments #41 and #42. Why is the founder of purufi selling Mola Mola Kaluga for upwards of $16000 (yep 16 Grand).

If there's a market at that price, why shouldn't Bruno Putzeys be allowed to cash in?

I would venture that the Kaluga monoblock is better engineered than any of the amplifiers mentioned in this thread. That does not make it remotely worth the asking price.

 

[proux]

I know this thread is old, but the question is still current! I can get a good deal on either NAD C298 or Primare A35.2, but the NAD still works out £1,000 cheaper. SO I guess i should go for it, as it is at least as good and maybe better? BUT the Primary looks so much nicer, and also comes in silver which I prefer....

 

[Matias]

Welcome to ASR. If you are buying considering looks IMO there are also other strong candidates for you to consider, but using TOTL Hypex or Purifi modules.

Power Amplifier Vendors using Hypex or Purifi technology

Here is the list, please review for completeness. Will update as needed. Apollon Audio: https://apollonaudio.com/apollonaudio.com ATI (Amplifier Technologies Inc.): https://ati-amp.com/ Audiophonics: https://www.audiophonics.fr/ boXem Audio: https://www.boxem-audio.eu/ Buckeye Amps...

www.audiosciencereview.com

For example:

boXem - Arthur 5523/E1

1 channel HiFi power amplifier, Purifi second gen. Eigentakt technology. Designed and proudly built in Luxembourg.

boxem-audio.eu

Apollon Hypex NCx500 NCOREx Lux Dual Mono Amplifier

The Apollon Audio Hypex NCx500 Lux Dual Mono Amplifier utilises the newest Hypex NCx500 amplifier module and provides abundant power and remarkable precision.

apollonaudio.com

 

[Golfx]

I know this thread is old, but the question is still current! I can get a good deal on either NAD C298 or Primare A35.2, but the NAD still works out £1,000 cheaper. SO I guess i should go for it, as it is at least as good and maybe better? BUT the Primary looks so much nicer, and also comes in silver which I prefer....

Before you buy a NAD try and contact their customer service. I could not get them to answer an email and could not find a phone number. After repeated tries.

 

[proux]

Welcome to ASR. If you are buying considering looks IMO there are also other strong candidates for you to consider, but using TOTL Hypex or Purifi modules.

Power Amplifier Vendors using Hypex or Purifi technology

Here is the list, please review for completeness. Will update as needed. Apollon Audio: https://apollonaudio.com/apollonaudio.com ATI (Amplifier Technologies Inc.): https://ati-amp.com/ Audiophonics: https://www.audiophonics.fr/ boXem Audio: https://www.boxem-audio.eu/ Buckeye Amps...

www.audiosciencereview.com

For example:

boXem - Arthur 5523/E1

1 channel HiFi power amplifier, Purifi second gen. Eigentakt technology. Designed and proudly built in Luxembourg.

boxem-audio.eu

Apollon Hypex NCx500 NCOREx Lux Dual Mono Amplifier

The Apollon Audio Hypex NCx500 Lux Dual Mono Amplifier utilises the newest Hypex NCx500 amplifier module and provides abundant power and remarkable precision.

apollonaudio.com

OK many thanks, even more options! The Apollon looks impressive, but i am slightly worried about ordering direct from abroad, and would have to pay UK VAT / import

 

[JustJones]

Not sure of your location but the Nord in UK with the SE case looks better than the NAD if looks are important. IMO

 

[proux]

Before you buy a NAD try and contact their customer service. I could not get them to answer an email and could not find a phone number. After repeated tries.

oh dear... but will buy from dealer so should be OK hopefully

Not sure of your location but the Nord in UK with the SE case looks better than the NAD if looks are important. IMO

yes NAD case is true off from photos... I am in UK

 

[Golfx]

OK many thanks, even more options! The Apollon looks impressive, but i am slightly worried about ordering direct from abroad, and would have to pay UK VAT / import

Try nord audio in Britain

 

[Matias]

OK many thanks, even more options! The Apollon looks impressive, but i am slightly worried about ordering direct from abroad, and would have to pay UK VAT / import

In the UK you have Nord and their SE chassis (Takachi HY series) in silver looks very nice, like the one below.

Nord Three 1ET9040BA DM MKII Dual Mono Stereo Power Amplifier - Nord Acoustics Ltd

Purifi 1ET9040BA Amplifier

nordacoustics.co.uk

 

[JiiPee]

I see no reason to spend over 3K for an amplifier, regardless of topology, but to answer to the op, if I were to do so, I'd probably go for Serblin & Son Frankie D Plus, just because it is pretty.

 

[Purité Audio]

@proux if you would like to try a Boxem ‘Arthur’, to compare against other ‘possibles’ drop me a line I am in the UK too.
Keith

 

[BeeKay]

measures fairly bad and very expensive so it should be really high-end

True …