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Class D Amps energy efficient, cool running, excellent sounding
One of the most exciting
developments in home amplifiers since the invention of the transistor
has arrived: the Class D amp. Manufacturers like Pioneer Elite,
B&W, KEF, B&O, even car companies like Audi are embracing this
advanced technology. But although it is advanced, it's a real win-win
situation for the consumer, because the value is so good. You probably
already own a product with a Class D amp; they are used frequently in
cell phones to maximize battery life. Class D amps rival the sound of expensive audiophile amps at a fraction of the price. They are about 80-90 percent energy efficient. This compares to 40-50 percent efficient for most amps on the market. Because they are so efficient, they can be made small, so they even work well on your desktop, hooked up to your PC and small speakers. Here's a look at some of the models that audio enthusiasts are raving about.
FiiO has gotten a lot of attention for their TAISHAN-D03K Digital to Analog Audio Converter wirh 24-bit/192 kHz Support
 (image: Pioneer Electronics) Pioneer is now in the third generation of using Class D in several of their Elite receivers. With seven or nine channels of amplification, the efficiency of Class D makes perfect sense. When you have seven or nine channels of amplification, the electricity savings really adds up with an efficient design. The SC-61 uses an estimated 47% less electricity than it's sibling, the VSX-60, which uses traditional amp design. And the SC-61 is a more powerful receiver! Pioneer says they are committed to Class D, so we can look forward to exciting things from them. more Pioneer has added Class D to some of their standard receiver line, including the SC-1222 receiver. B&W uses Class D in
their ASW608, ASW610 and ASW610XP
subwoofers.
more about Class D subwoofers
Audio Research has the
DSi200, which
they refer to as a hybrid, because the power supply is more like a
traditional amp's power supply, while the output stage is what the
call a "green" discrete analog switching-MOSFET output stage for
highly efficient power conversion and low power consumption. At a
weight of about 37 pounds, it's got a little more heft to it than
other high power Class D amps. There's a larger model, the DS-225, a
DS-450, and a DS-450M (mono), Bel
Canto c5i
This takes Class D to an extremely high level of performance. But,
because of the energy efficiency, Bel Canto can use unique, small
cases. The
result is a line of equipment for the person that wants something
classy looking, but
unobtrusive. Bel Canto offers a matching tuner and
a choice of CD players. Bel Canto says "a top of the line Bel Canto
system can use less than 40 watts of power and deliver music
performance with astonishing realism." This is the future of amplifiers. more about Bel Canto
Peachtree Audio is known for their retro looking amps with vacuum tubes (in the preamp stage) peeking out. But they also have amps with the very modern Class D design in the power amp stage. Their products are particularly beautiful with a variety of wood cabinets available. more about Peachtree Audio
NAD has begun using this design on their high end M2. A damping factor of as high as 2000 at low frequencies show one of the potential benefits of Class D. video NAD has also introduced a little brother to the ME2, the C-390DD Direct Digital Powered DAC Amplifier. NAD will introduce an integrated amp, the D3020, and a receiver, the D7050. Both will use amp modules made by Hypex. Also, they make the VISO 1 iPod dock
Channel Islands Audio monoblocks (USA made)
Genesis Advanced Technologies makes
their Genesis
Reference Amplifier.
cars: Aston Martin, Volvo, Mercedes and Audi have used high end audio systems using Class D amplification.
This is the future of audio amplification. It's available now in select products, and offers top value for your dollar.
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This
is one of my favorite Class D amps, and I think
it had to be considered one of the best value amps in the world. I have
been using one for several months, and am completely impressed. I don't
notice any harshness, which is the
big thing to watch out for on inexpensive amps. Imaging is good, bass
isn't wimpy as you might expect on such a low priced
amp. This makes a great gift
or a perfect second system or amp for a teenager. If someone doesn't
remember
to turn it off, it hardly uses any electricity. 
This different looking amp can be run
with the included
power supply, or run off of batteries. That's right, this amp is so
efficient it 
is a good choice if you want to use it witha laptop, since it has a USB
DAC built in. If I was stepping up from the Lepai, I would get this.
. Turns out they offer a very competitive amp. With 19 reviews on Amazon, the 
received an average review of 4 1/2 stars. 
This is the logical step up if you want
was
designed to be used with the Apple TV. It doesn't even have RCA input
jacks, so it's quite limited in how you can use it. But With Bang &
Olufsen's ICEpower Class D chips in it, it seems like a steal.
Normally ICEpower amps tend to be priced in the thousands. Kanto has
done a clever job with this amp.
This is a 
This 
is one of the best sounding iPod docks in the world. Although it sits
on a table, it 
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Pioneer is using Class D amps in their high end products. (image: Pioneer Electronics)
Class D subwoofers
Class
D is a no brainer for car stereo amps. The high power levels that many
people want would present a huge load on a car's electrical system if
traditional (Class A/B circuits were used. (image: Pioneer Electronics)
an ICEpower Class D amp module from Bang & Olufsen
Don't
forget accessories:
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© 2012 David Walls. All rights reserved.