The old cliche "all generalizations are false, except this one" applies.
I replaced a pair of pure Class A Krell KAS-2 monoblocks, MSRP = $22k, with a Spectron Musician III Mk. 2 stereo Class D, MSRP = $4k, about 6-7 years ago and never looked back. There were slight but noticeable subjective sonic differences in AB home trial, which were, of course, imperfect due to cable switching time. The difference was mainly in perceived accuracy of detail, but none that I recall in perceived depth, which I believe I am sensitive to and intently listen for. There was no etch, glare or other HF sonic anomaly that I heard. But, cue up Richard Strauss' Salome and the Dance of the Seven Veils. The resale on the aging Krells paid for what I perceived to be a small but perceptable sonic upgrade, with huge savings in bulk, weight and power consumption.
My friends were all telling me, oh, no, not Class D, but I did not want them around during my evaluation. However, they liked what they heard after I had pulled the trigger. I offered my Spectron for their own amp evaluations, but anti-Class D prejudice and the pull of other popular brands kept them from accepting.
Similar comparisons in my system of the Krells to other Class Ds, which were then based on the widely popular original ICE modules, did not favor Class D at all, however. The Spectron used its own, unique Class D circuitry. I believe newer generation ICE modules are improved, particularly at lower impedances. Today, I would surely also consider Hypex, but I am in no rush. The Spectron has served me well and satisfyingly.
