Topping (class D and B) vs Arcam and Rotel (class A/B)

[Mike_Trueman]

I am wanting to upgrade my system but i am still not sure to go class A/B or class D. (or even class B it seems)
The amp is going to be paired with PMC Prodigy 1 speakers and the SVS SB-1000 pro subwoofer. So i want to see your opinions and reasons.

Which AMP/DAC combo would you prefer or spend your money on? (4 examples around the same price class)
And more important what is the reason for your choice? Is everybody buying class D amps for it's better power efficiency or for the class D sound signature?
Also is the build quality the same like in long-term use? (20-30 years)

• Topping B100 Stereo + Topping E70 velvet - 50W@8ohm - class B
• Topping PA7 plus + Topping E70 velvet - 125W@8ohm - class D
• Rotel A12MKII - 60W@8ohm - class A/B
• Arcam A15 - 80W@8ohm - class A/B

 

[staticV3]

Just FYI, the B100 is Cass B.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Just FYI, the B100 is Cass B.

I did not know that, even more choices then. To bad we can not listen to topping amps in my area.

 

[terryforsythe]

There are a lot of unknowns to make an informed recommendation.

What speakers are you using? What is their efficiency? How large is the room? How far will you be sitting from the speakers?

IF the B100 puts out enough power for your speakers, room, etc., that would be my choice.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Just FYI, the B100 is Cass B.

Is there much difference between class D and class B?

 

[staticV3]

Is there much difference between class D and class B?

Difference in terms of what?

 

[Mike_Trueman]

How to add a subwoofer to topping amplifiers?

 

[JeremyFife]

How will you listen to music - what will your source(s) be? What other equipment do you have and what's your room like?
How do you feel about room correction/ PEQ/DSP?

Lot's to think about first.

 

[caught gesture]

Is there much difference between class D and class B?

Efficiency.

 

[oldsysop]

I am wanting to upgrade my system but i am still not sure to go class A/B or class D. (or even class B it seems)
The amp is going to be paired with PMC Prodigy 1 speakers and the SVS SB-1000 pro subwoofer. So i want to see your opinions and reasons.

Which AMP/DAC combo would you prefer or spend your money on? (4 examples around the same price class)
And more important what is the reason for your choice? Is everybody buying class D amps for it's better power efficiency or for the class D sound signature?
Also is the build quality the same like in long-term use? (20-30 years)

• Topping B100 Stereo + Topping E70 velvet - 50W@8ohm - class B
• Topping PA7 plus + Topping E70 velvet - 125W@8ohm - class D
• Rotel A12MKII - 60W@8ohm - class A/B
• Arcam A15 - 80W@8ohm - class A/B

View attachment 395448

Rotel A12MKII

 

[staticV3]

How to add a subwoofer to topping amplifiers?

Topping Amplifier->Speaker output->Passive subwoofer

Or if you have an active subwoofer with Speaker level input:
Topping Amplifier->Speaker output->Active subwoofer

If you have an active subwoofer with only Line input, then you will have to connect it upstream of the Topping Amplifier.

 

[GXAlan]

Arcam - SA30 Integrated Amplifier **B-STOCK**

The world's largest online retailer of high-end audio, audiophile music, and accessories. We specialize in vinyl records and turntables.

www.musicdirect.com

If you can find this in Europe, this is the best option. Class G, lots of power, and Dirac.

 

[JeremyFife]

A wise member once ruminated on the paths we take ( @GXAlan )

Post in thread 'People who went down the ultra high sinad gear route what have you found?' https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...-route-what-have-you-found.56948/post-2080763

Keeping your opinions open, there's things like the Denon AVR X3800H

 

[JSmith]

but i am still not sure to go class A/B or class D. (or even class B it seems)

Amp class/topology isn't relevant to "sound signature", when discussing well designed amps.

Pick an amp that has the appropriate power output that measures well, has the functions you need and is aesthetically pleasing.


JSmith

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Most people tend to choose the Rotel amp here and after reading all the reviews, the sound signature seems best for me.
So yesterday i went to listen to the Rotel 14MKII and the Atoll IN100 Signature (with optional DAC DA200 build in) in my music store.
Those 2 amps have a much deeper and better controlled bass, they also give more punch and kick to the speakers then my class D amplifiers.
I am going to make a choise between the Rotel 1500€ amp and the Atoll 1600€ amp with leaning towards to the Atol more. And yeah my budget is grown a bit
Good that the seller showed me the Atoll amp. I had never heard of Atoll before, its a french company which i like.

This is a good review describing the Atoll amp. (My favorite reviewer on YT)

 

[Svend P]

All amplifiers sound the same. Page 80:

https://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-HiFI-Stereo/80s/HiFi-Stereo-Review-1987-01.pdf

And you are doing the comparison wrong

 

[Mike_Trueman]

All amplifiers sound the same. Page 78:

https://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-HiFI-Stereo/80s/HiFi-Stereo-Review-1987-01.pdf

And you are doing the comparison wrong

Did you read my post above you? I listen to both amps with a build-in DAC on diferent levels in the listening room at my store with my music.
I can hear wich sound i prefer for long listening sesions.

 

[Old_School_Brad]

Disregarding the flawed comparison methodology but acknowledging the limited options in the poll, I’d opt for the Rotel due to the brands reputation for quality and reliable specifications.

 

[Vladimir Filevski]

So yesterday i went to listen to the Rotel 14MKII and the Atoll IN100 Signature (with optional DAC DA200 build in) in my music store.
Those 2 amps have a much deeper and better controlled bass, they also give more punch and kick to the speakers then my class D amplifiers.

Besides Rotel and Atoll, did you listen to your class D amplifiers in the same music store, with the same loudspeaker, in the same listening session on the same day? If not, your comparison is wrong and useless.

 

[Mike_Trueman]

Besides Rotel and Atoll, did you listen to your class D amplifiers in the same music store, with the same loudspeaker, in the same listening session on the same day? If not, your comparison is wrong and useless.

My comparison is only personal and only for me because i hear sound different as other people. I have the SMSL AO300 which i listen all day, best amp for its price.
I am not going to listen to all the amps in the store, life is to short for that