The missing power I have been searching for in a class D amp. LSA Warp 1 power amplifier review

#hifi #audiophile #amplifier #stereo #Amplifier
Patreon: / thomasandstereo
Gear used or mentioned in this review :
LSA Warp 1
Topping D90SE DAC
Exasound E28 DAC
Doge 8 Tube preamp
Mcintosh MAC6700 Integrated amplifier
Arendal 1723 speakers
Dynaudio Compound 4 speakers
Quad 2905 speakers
Magnapan LRS speakers
Silverline Sonata speakers
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Track: Left Alone - Airixis [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch: • Left Alone - Airixis |...
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[@ThomasAndStereo]

To purchase this amp, you need to email [e-mail] ...AOL ! Man that is so 80s. Nope, I don't get anything if you buy from them.

[@amb3cog]

Nothing, and I mean nothing says old school. Like an AOL email address. You already know that person is very, very likely, a Boomer. 🤣🤣🤣

[@chrismacdonald4570]

@@amb3cog He is.

[@stopthefomo]

You’re killing it with your videos Thomas! Will you be going with the more efficient Class D amplifiers for your system? You need to check out the Vera P400 amplifier that’s easily one of the most thoughtfully engineered amps out there - it has Noctua fans!!

[@Scottlp2]

Walter is great, very helpful. He’s in the process of redoing all the speakers that is why he didn’t suggest them. They’ll be good when they are ready.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@stopthefomo Ah, let me research it.

[@laveaux8915]

playing in a band i have switched to all class d amps, my bass rig has no problem producing lows also all floor monitors and pa have been switched to class d it is the cleanest system i have ever owned

[@paulazzopardi6964]

What amps did you go for, if you don't mind me asking?

[@laveaux8915]

for bass i use darkglass mirco 900, floor monitors are ev elx 200. mains are ev etx 35p, subs are db technologies 18s

[@TheKravmonster]

walter is one of the nicest and most knowledgeable people in the audio world. i've been doing business with him for 15 years.

[@jfarlandutube]

Interesting review. Would like to hear a Pairing with the LRS.

[@paulwisconsin456]

Agree !

[@roberthart9886]

The class D I used 2 years ago was an EVS 1200, based on dual IceEdge AS1200 modules + lots of tweaks, and I raved about it for a year. Finally, I replaced it with the LSA Voyager 350, which is roughly half the wattage of the EVS, and yet the Voyager was twice as room filling. Highly recommended

[@robk5745]

You’ve become a class d expert and the forefront of class d info for the community Thomas. Thank you. I still don’t want one lol, but owning a jeff Rowland is one of my long term goals.

[@ekimandersom4478]

I don't care about the gear, i just enjoy hearing you speak. Don't know why.

[@RevitChannel]

Yes, I like to see a more detailed test with the LRS.

[@myu4039]

That's a retailer's website not the manufacturer. I love Underwood HiFi! I buy my gear from them often. I recommend them highly. Often times the key to making class D amps sound good are vintage speakers.

[@CUDAbuster]

Thomas, when I was a kid and needed a summer job, I had my mums take me to the Rowland factory to see if I could get a job soldering boards for Mr. Rowland. I used to read all the audio magazines back then and was amazed by the reviews of Rowland and the power ratings. I thought to myself that one day I would own one, but no way at that time could do that. I toured the factory and remember seeing the amps with these huge capacitors and heat sinks. I didn't end up getting a job there, but the tour of the plant was inspiring to me. Compared to my department store receiver back then, this was like a Formula 1 car next to a Toyota Camry. Anyway, years later, I never really followed Rowland and had almost forgotten about them until you mentioned them. Modern Class D is like traveling to an off world planet, meeting up with some technological advanced peeps that give you this little light weight box that outperforms all your 50kg A/B amps. On certain speakers, A/B may be preferable, but I continue to find new class D is ultra clean, dynamic and powerful. I used a Nova 300 to wake up a pair of Polk Lsim 707. This brought out details and agility that I was not getting from A/B, like it upscaled to sound like something much more expensive. Glad to see other manufacturers getting serious about Class D. Class D uses far less material than A/B and more efficient. This might matter to some people concerned about the planet.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, you know I always enjoy reading your comments, so thoughtful and interesting.

[@robertthurston6858]

You should of asked if you could of just swept the floors first at the J Rowland factory and start from there. 😀

[@hugoeilertsen4459]

Giant leaps in Class D amps? I have an 'old' Wyred4Sound STI 500. This is a Class D based on the B&O ICE modules and it is amazing! Kent Johnson once tested it and said: "The STI-500 is very green, extremely good sounding, built to last, and very convenient. I have failed to acknowledge how much I like the preamplifier section for its flexibility and convenience since it just does its job without drawing attention to itself. In truth this amplifier doesn't draw any attention to itself with anything other than its exceptional sound. If Class D amps like the STI-500 are the future, then the future is going to be wonderful."

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, I had the Wyred4sound ST250 and really liked it. Because of that a few of my friends bought the ST500 and ST1000

[@hugoeilertsen4459]

This is my third Class D, the first one being an Peachtree decco 125sky. That model was so good that l could not part from it completely, so l gave it to my sister. Going over to her place l am contantly reminded of how much l still like it!

[@alskooper3319]

The W4S ST500 is the best sounding (to me) amp on both pairs of my B&W speakers, N802’s and Concept 90’s. Both systems are fronted by tube preamps, Manley Shrimp in one, and VAC Renaissance in the other.

[@billfarrell4387]

Hi Thomas My friend uses a pair of class D amps and yes it’s really good and delivers 400 watts per channel into 4 ohms so yes Class D is getting better and better Take Care

[@obedjimenez2624]

Thomas, you are one of the best audio reviewers out there., I enjoy your reviews even though I can’t afford any of it. My stuff has to be cheap, maybe a few thousand dollars. Thank you and keep them coming.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, thanks!

[@diyhifi2632]

the board in this amp made by a guy name xrk in audio community group. powered by tpa3255 chip. you can also buy his ready to run module board.

[@richardramorino3319]

My fist class D Amp was the Bell Canto Evo from about 15 years ago. I now have the Nad M33. The top end and bottom end are smooth and extended. I would say the midrange still has a bit of class D "presentation." (As opposed to fault) They are best matched with a speaker with warm mid-range. M33 was a bad match with KEF LS50’S (mids too thin and cold) but a GREAT match for Rosso Fiorentino floorstanders. The Rosso’s have that classic Italian, warm and lush midrange presentation.

[@jamesdwright]

Interesting. Which RF floorstanders do you have? I've been on the lookout for a pair of these speakers on the second hand market for some time but the rarely appear.

[@richardramorino3319]

@James Wright I have the Elba2. They have gone up in price $800 in last 2 months. They sound very much like rhe Sonus Faber Cremonas I used to have, but with more control. My friend heard my Elbas and immediately went back to DC and ordered the Certaldo’s. Good luck

[@jatkins12]

I'm running the NAD M33 with the KEF LS50's. Both with a REL T5 sub on each. I like the sound but I fear I don't know what I don't know. I don't think I'm at that "audiophile quality sound" quite yet. But I think I might be close. Room size 13'2" x 12'7" with the speakers 3' off the short wall, ceiling height at 9'. How do I get a judgement opinion from someone who would know what to listen for and how to adjust things, any ideas?

[@letsgobrandon6545]

Comparison to PS S300 and Ayima A07 would be great. Because I can not pick Ayima from Para A23+ in blind test with LRS. Neither my wife. And we tried really hard.

[@melarch.5424]

If you want a really great class D amp, try a pair of Mola-Mola Kaluga mono amps. Not inexpensive, but you get the best class D implementation.

[@jon4715]

Cool amp, I like the case design and the mid-range forward attestation. I'd like to hear how it works with the LRS. I find the 1.7i maggies are not more difficult to drive than the LRS, surprisingly.

[@khoi83]

I use the Peachtree amp500 and LOVE it! 500 wpc into 8 ohms!

[@khoi83]

Not wellknown power amp though, but Tharbamar reviewed it for those who are interested.

[@rainman3269]

Thomas ... This has become one of the best reference review channels worth watching ... Congrats Brother

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Appreciate that

[@legrandgroves8560]

Picked one up, very nice amp, so close to my reference set up, will have to a bit more A/B ing. If your speakers have strong upper mids…very hard to beat…clean insides. The designer did a fantastic job. Right mix of parts to get the sound. No complaints at this price

[@gertrudedaraklis1170]

One of your best reviews and I’ve been watching for almost 3 yrs . Review was clean-organized-to the point-fair & balanced . As for the product . . . I’m intrigued enough to explore this amp. Good job !

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Amazing the difference between the two samples. I liked the Dynaudio clip. I have only heard class D at a community diy meeting. One of our members built an early system.. His pcb was the size of a credit card and it was driving some giant JBL enclosures with authority. He later refined the power supply and the linestage and it was surprisingly good. But the speakers were not resolving enough to know how it really stacked up other than being amazed that something so tiny could pack so much punch down low. The JBL's had 4x 15" low end and this thing seemed to drive more punch than a lot of the other amps but lacked the refinement of the Pass Labs stuff.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

[@Art-AI-and-beyond]

I've been playing around with several TPA3255 boards in my DIY projects. They are definitely bring a slightly warmer smoother tone vs other Class D amps which I like but plus they still offer lots of mid range detail and very low noise floor. Overall very well behaved boards and need little tweaking to sound good.

[@Art-AI-and-beyond]

@Thomas & Stereo Be nice to get a review on the Purify based amps. Quite a step up in price from the TPA 3255 boards. I'd imagine they are more comparable to Hypex based amps in terms of sound quality and build. In fact a shootout between ICE power, Purify and Hypex amplifiers would be a good comparison from makes such as Nord and Apollon Audio.

[@amb3cog]

@@Art-AI-and-beyond The Purifi has been reviewed by Thomas. At least two amps also! From VTV specifically. And I've owned both a Hypex Ncore (Audiophonics NC 252MP amp), as well as a Purifi Eigentakt Evaluation amp from VTV. I sent the Purifi amp back. It was way too revealing for the stuff I listen to everyday unfortunately. This was with a Pro-ject Streambox S2 Ultra/Bifrost 2/Schiit Freya + combo and a pair of Kef R300's. Same results on my Elac Carina bookshelf speakers too though. Doesn't mean one should avoid them unless they only play quality recordings IMHO. But one should at least be aware how ruthlessly revealing they can be. And should probably try one from a place that accepts returns. As I did thankfully. If not I would be selling it at a loss right now instead. Not a nice outcome for what I thought was going to finish up my system for me at all. But it's okay. This Hypex sounds great, and I've got a used Nuprime STA-9 amp on the way. So I'll figure it out in the end. Enjoy the Music ✌️

[@Art-AI-and-beyond]

@@amb3cog That's interesting about the Purify. Yes you can have too much of a good thing for everyday listening. I spend long hours at the computer so I too prefer an easier listening experience on my little setup. I just recently brought another little TPA 3255 board from 3e Audio which i'm going to stick in a case as a pure power amp running straight off my Motu DAC. Its definitely a lot more revealing and detailed than the cheaper generic boards out there and is probably about as far as I want to go detail wise before becoming irritating over long long listening periods. My little office speakers are little self designed speakers using SB Acoustics tweeters and Tang Band full range drivers which have lovely upper midrange detail. I'm also eyeing up the Nord multi channel power amps with Hypex modules for my living room system so that would be interesting when it happens at some point. Have fun experimenting.

[@diyhifi2632]

i'm a tpa3255 user here. tpa3255 paired with tube preamp.. just amazing for a small cost. icepower also using tpa3255 in thier 200AS2 model.

[@Kowinaida]

Thomas, you are easily one of the most (if not the best) engaging reviewers on KZbin. It's also great that you take the review products to 3 of your audiophile friends. I'll mention it again - try to review the Octave V70 Class A with Super Black Box...!

[@aceofspades6667]

I’m def biased toward a or a/b topology but glad to see this review!

[@waynegallupe1026]

Nice review. Your efforts are appreciated. I too would like to see you do a test with the LRS.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Coming soon!

[@projectmalus]

The new Billie amp from Heaven 11 has about the same power, roughly same price and does have the tube pre already...I hope someone compares the sound quality. Thanks for the look.

[@labernese]

Very engaging videos Thomas, I appreciate your thoroughness and the involvement and feedback from your listening buddies . Had a look at LSA for their preamp offerings and the Discovery DPH-1 looks interesting though when I searched for reviews on KZbin all I got was Land Rover reviews!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It was not made by the same designer as this amp so I was less interested after I found out. Perhaps I should still give it a try.

[@The-Spotlight-Kid]

Had a flash image form in my head at one point, with no face to reference, Mr Vintage was dressed totally in bright gleaming white, wide lappeled jacket & wide flared bright white trousers & big collars on his white shirt, like John Travolta in "Saturday Night Fever" ... one arm stretched out straight & high with index finger pointing to the ceiling, the other arm doing the same in the downwards direction, his body in the middle of a twist with white open jacket flaying outwards in a mid-disco gyrational twirl ...21 Sansui's, wow!

[@toddhupp]

Maybe a front tube stage would help using lets say 2 12ax7s or 4 12au7s.,Vincent uses this approach successfully.with power amps.BTW using matched top drawer tubes up front makes a HUGE difference. eg Gold Lion top grade from Upscale.

[@howardshillingford4997]

Wow ! This amp sounds special. Thank you.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You bet!

[@eugeniomirisola9384]

Yes, please more testing with Maggie’s

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

Holy crap, this might be the sound I've been looking for... I'm going research some more.

[@FoxMulder_]

Purifi based Class D amps is the ones I so far enjoy the most with my setup. Both diy and premade ( like vtx ). When looking at pure measurement, the purifi units seems to "win" hands down as well. Measurement isent everything ofc, but in this case it blends well with my own listening experience :) I never tested a Texas Instruments based amp. So this peak my interest. Great review :D

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, I have 2 purifi amp as well, really nice.

[@trehansid]

@@ThomasAndStereo which purify amp do you have

[@petekutheis3822]

Have an Audiophonics on the way to try out.

[@latheofheaven]

Thank you Mr. Thomas, excellent and engaging as usual! 😊

[@williamnaman3570]

I have the LSA Signature 20s. They are a theater tower with British Harbeth like tone. They need a lot of power.

[@michaelhastie7324]

Thomas: Please keep doing what you are doing. (But some how find a way to financially benefit from your position at Thomas & Stereo.). Your Frends have had the advantage of evaluating equipment that cross your desk. This, in itself is a Very Big Pluss! The Result Is A Thomas & Stereo Review that is Canadian, Yet still Relevant to thousands of Audiophiles.....World Wide.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

Great review but I have $50 TPA3116 class D amplifier. The sound good enough for me and no need more expensive amplifier.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Nice looking class d amp has that sleek look , I need to try a modern day Class D amp this one high on my list for coming New year thanks Thomas

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice nice.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

❤️❤️😎 THANKS THOMAS FOR ENTERTAINING STORIES EDUCATING 🧐US AND ENTERTAINING SOUND DEMOS 😍😍😍

[@D.E.E.P.Y.]

Hi Thomas! Hoping to see you in Montreal Audiofest (and hoping you'll participate in their contest of making a perfect hi-fi system room)

[@amb3cog]

Great video Thomas. Might have to try this one. I just tried the Purifi Eigentakt from VTV, but it's not for me. Too transparent, and doesn't like my old rock music. This sounds like more my style though. Once you said Led Zeppelin you got me. And, "similar to vintage Sansui", also. That's basically what I'm looking for, but in a new product, not something old and possibly unreliable. Not to mention all the other benefits one gets from modern technology. ✌️

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I see, well this amp is also transparent but the coloration might work for you. The only thing is it has a 15% restocking fee so it is a risk in that sense.

[@amb3cog]

@@ThomasAndStereo Umm Yea that's a bit high really. But I'll probably like it. I'm enjoying my Audiophonics Hypex right now. In fact I'm tempted to just be happy with this one really. And I've got other amps here too. But I'm looking for almost exactly what you described here. We'll see. Still waiting to get my money back from the VTV one right now anyway. And I feel bad having to do that to them. So I've been trying to find something on their site that will work for me. Maybe a higher powered Hypex, with an opamp buffer, and balanced inputs? Or Hypex monoblocks maybe? Arghh! The tyranny of choice!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@AHayes-rn7sc]

Thomas, nice review and yes as an owner of the LRS' I look forward to your reviewing them with the LSA Warp 1. Thank you!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I am supposed to get a 0.7 in for review so I will test it on that.

[@dennismoraisus4187]

Hey Thomas! Thanks for the video. I was looking at this one a while ago but for whatever reason it fell of my radar. After re-discovering this video, it is definitely back in the mix! I happen to like the design and the smaller footprint of this unit, as it will integrate with the modest desktop system I am running. I think Wally is one of the coolest guys in the business to work with, so I may just give him a call in the near future and see about bringing this amp into the fold. Thanks again for your great work, keep 'em coming!

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the video review. For the past 2 years I have been using a Buckeye Amp designed around the Hypex NC502MP with a Topping Pre90 driving a pair of BMR Monitors. With their RAAL tweeters, the BMR Monitors are extremely revealing. I have been wanting to get some warmth into the system and I am thinking of replacing the Hypex-based amp with the LSA Warp 1 or possibly replace everything with the Heaven 11 Billie Mkii.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It depends, if you want more body and warmth, class AB or A is still the way to go. Class D is good but it is more about having a clear and neutral presentation.

[@anthonyhopkin]

Great chat Thomas. Thanks for your thoughts and experience - always very informative and entertaining. Greetings to you and yours. Would be interested to hear your impression of these compared directly with the GAN version that you also enjoyed.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You mean the peachtree Gan 400? That one is more refined, more quiet background with better layering while this one is more dynamic and fun with a more forward midrange.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

I am turned on to LSA also. Looking forward to the speakers too ..=)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I hope they send me a pair one day.

[@seanoreilly8603]

Hi Thomas. Good review as usual. Class D looks like the future alright. They look to be getting better and better. Great to see you have the Arendal speakers in house. But kinda surprised you wanted to review the tiny ones. I've just got the Tower S floor standers since last November. They have a 60 day sale or return policy which is great. I'm thinking now of Class D Amplification now. I running the Arendals with the Willsenton R8. I'll be waiting to see what you think of them, plus the Sibelius speakers you have. Keep up the good work.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would like to try the Floorstanders but I want to let my buddies try it too.

[@matthewhilty4209]

I'm actually more interested in the GAN version of this amp since the switching speed of GAN is higher than class D which might sound more class A like. Good to know that Classic class D is getting better every year. No links on where to buy ?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You need to email [e-mail] to buy it!

[@williamnaman3570]

LSA has a new 300 watt GAN amp. Similar to the Peachtree.

[@XRKAudio]

Higher switching speed does not equate to being like Class A, which does not switch at all and is always on, hence no crossover distortion and more heat. It’s all in the implementation and the resulting harmonic profile, noise floor, and transient response.

[@joeneticchan9640]

The internal assembly quality and measurement result of LSA GAN amp is bad according to ASR review result, better check deeply.

[@joeneticchan9640]

This Warp 1 amplifier use IT TPA3325 solution, quite cheap solution, similar price you can buy VTV Purifi stereo

[@HotSause]

Everybody is waiting for that manufacturer that makes a class D that checks all the boxes, and sells at reasonable price. They will make less per unit but their bottom line will be massive as sales will be in multiples.Think class D Dynaco Stereo 70 or NAD 3020.

[@rolandlickert2904]

I have the NAD C-388.in my opinion it's pretty good and flexible it works well with my Dynaudio DM 3/7 that need power to shine

[@giulianof8687]

XTZ A2-400

[@HotSause]

@@rolandlickert2904 thanks for the tip.

[@HotSause]

@@giulianof8687 thanks. Will check it out.

[@giulianof8687]

@@HotSause you're welcome

[@2023C8HTC]

Yeah I bought my Marantz SA10 from Walt too!

[@2023C8HTC]

👍

[@agentm83]

I've noticed a lot of audio manufacturers have terrible, outdated looking websites. lol

[@JC-lk3oy]

Class D has been consistently improving for a long time. Class D used to be garbage, but now some are legitimate options.

[@rctony710]

Why not just stay with A/B? Who cares about the weight? Class d will probably fail in the future like they all do with all those electronics! Class A/b especially McIntosh last a lifetime! Most of the time they outlive people!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well, just take bass control and speed for example. At the same price, class D generally have an edge on it. There are other reasons of course but you will have to spend quality time with it to discover it.

[@williammorales8204]

@@rctony710 I don't think most people care how long it lasts until it doesn't. I too worry about longevity, I'd like to buy once , cry once. So I'm debating whether to settle for parasound a21 or break the piggy bank and get the jc5.

[@frostycanada6404]

@@rctony710 I do care about size and weight which is why I ultimately went with Sugden ANV50. Powerful, bold and super exiting to listen to + it runs cool as a cucumber. I don’t know about other class D models but per Sugden: the ANV50 has a (Mean Time Before Failure) of 100 years and is designed for longevity and reliability. Love class D Brian

[@JC-lk3oy]

@@williammorales8204 not sure about others experience, but I've literally never had a class D amp fail and I have had one class A/B amp fail. Out of my circle of friends only one class D amp has failed that wasn't a cheap piece of crap. Not sure where the reliability argument against class D comes from, but I suspect it is more the cheap garbage and not the qualit class D amps.

[@jcisme]

I wonder how much difference there is between this and the Ayima A07 (TPA3255) and a good PSU......

[@dougg1075]

You should try their speakers. I have there LSA Signature and it’s pretty darn fine.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I know! They should send me.

[@garyschuch9454]

Hi Mr Thomas can you compare this unit to the PS audio s300?

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

After messing around in audio for 15 years or so, I cant understand why we dont all use high efficiency (95db+) speakers nowadayas, no downsides I can see .. and you can use a handful of class a watts to power them!

[@V1ralB1ack]

same

[@carlsitler9071]

Sounds like an amp I would love. First, I'd like to get those Arendal 1723 speakers you used in your demo.

[@williemclean3224]

I would like to see you review the Technics SU G 700M2 integrated amp. It’s class D.

[@MicrosiMe]

This amplifier is just amazing

[@GavinHodgson]

Great review!

[@bilguana11]

I know you have reviewed the Gan Orchard monoblocks but you need to review the Ultra Stereo. I think you said that your friend likes it.

[@jeffdold6925]

I'm curious how the Rogue Audio Dragon would compare.

[@scottbaylor6215]

One of these days, I have to go and listen to a really good class D amp. I haven't heard a good one yet and I attribute that to only being around Class A/B amps.

[@rolandlickert2904]

I use class D integrated amp and never looked back

[@MatthewProietto]

Oh man this is tempting. Going to have a hard time deciding between this and the Willsenton r8 for my fortes.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Or wait for my amp but it will be way more expensive.

[@MatthewProietto]

@@ThomasAndStereo I’ll be on the lookout! I don’t mind sending on a quality product.

[@test40323]

Yes, drive to Mr. Kanta's place. I'll give you a pack of instant noodles for it! :-D

[@tommerjai1067]

I would recommend that you test the XTZ Edge A2-400 using two of those Amps in passive vertical Bi-Amping mode.

[@amb3cog]

Why? In other words what traits does it have? Are you saying it has a similar presentation to this amp? I’m curious about both of these myself, after trying a VTV Purifi Eval amp, and deciding to send it back. Mainly because it doesn’t work well with my old rock and roll, and that’s what I listen to mostly nowadays. ✌️

[@michaelwright1602]

I have the XTZ A2-400 and I think it sounds very good with rock music on my KLH Model 5’s. I added my SVS SB3000 subs to the mix, they blend seamlessly with the speakers. I’m feeding the speakers and subs with the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 streamer/preamp via XLR and RCA. The sound is holographic with a HUGE soundstage. The speakers and subs disappear as the sound literally envelopes the room. I caught myself more than a few times looking over both shoulders for who or what made that sound. I cannot say if it is the XTZ or Cambridge DAC/preamp, or a combination of both. Most likely the latter. I am not missing the 5.2 system this new 2 component 2.2 channel system replaced. Very happy!

[@Audfile]

Class D is the future and can sound absolutely dreamlike, as good or better than anything out there. Thank you Thomas for giving them a fair shake and not being an old curmudgeon about it like.. everyone else.

[@Audfile]

And this is coming from a person who bought a Parasound class AB for main rig last month and just last night warmed up a new Schiit Lyr3 with a tube for my cans. (It's astoundingly good). Why? Trying gear is fun. I'm enjoying experimenting with AB. I still have very fond memories of my Hypex Ncores. Those were serious amps. (Hell, even Parasound thinks class D is the future).

[@janulik9535]

hmmm, seems to be nice machine. I also can listen led zeppelin and enjoy it much more on naim amplifier than on somthing like elctrocompaniet eci 80d, ant thats precisely because the sound has more body etc. Thats a tough thing to choose an amp :D......I am with the topic a bit too long already :)

[@williammorales8204]

Great review as always.

[@paulwisconsin456]

Would really enjoy if reviewed with LRS or other Magnepan speakers

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I will soon.

[@gilpatmore4312]

thanks for doing this!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

My pleasure!

[@BennyKsBandwidth]

Nice review my friend! As always!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@samuelsalins8309]

Great 👍

[@Revelator2025]

I went through my Class D paradigm shift through my listening sessions with the AGD Audion GaN monoblocks. Class D done right is right up there with the greats of tube and SS amplification.

[@StefanUrkel]

Lookin good Thomas. New Year, new hair cut! Happy Year of the Tiger!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Happy new year!

[@jamesfrancis233]

Take the drive again Thomas,yes sir 😊

[@soowat1190]

Thanks for another great review, do you pair it with a tube preamp?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I did try with and without, it is better with but its fine without.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Shouldn't you just get a set of LRS' so (a) you don't HAVE to drive to Mr. Kanta's house and (b) everyone is going to ask anyway so you might as well have them just to nip that in the bud.

[@williamcanada6195]

Hello Thomas! Thanx for the review. However, I am inpatient to hear about the French Aperture Bookshelf speaker !! By the way, do you also think Ron has long COVID and that Ritchie is missing shipping material !! Keep up the good work !! Bill from France !!

[@stephenstevens6573]

Would love yo get uour impression of the magnspans. I'm using crown class d to drive mine and I'm hsppy, but the glassiness on the top end does bother me with some music. This seems like a possible fit, and I would like to hear more.

[@amb3cog]

Thomas. Have you ever tried to get the XTZ Edge A2-400 in for review? I was just looking at that one, because some people commented on it here. And I'm very interested in that one too. It seems to be similar to this in presentation. But has a lot of great features too. Like a 12v turn on trigger Can be bridged Adjustable gain A loop out set of RCA's Nice quality connections (Neutrik XLR inputs!) Both RCA, and XLR inputs Clipping indicator light 220/110 voltage operation Rack mounts if needed And more power then this amp too. For whatever that's worth. 😁✌️

[@amb3cog]

Oh, and it's cheaper then this one too! Don't know how I forgot that one! 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@michaelwright1602]

I like mine, and all of the features. The bass is fine on it to my ear, but much of that has to do with the KLH Model 5 speakers and the DAC in the Cambridge CXN V2, the two SVS SB3000 subs don’t hurt either.😉

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I think I did reach out to them but they never got back to me :(

[@amb3cog]

@@ThomasAndStereo Why those no good SOB's!!! If I ever get my hands on them! Just kidding man. 😁 Oh well, such is the reviewing game I suppose. Not very nice of them though. I'm quite sure you've helped sell some of those original ones they had you review. Well their loss anyway IMO. ✌️

[@goodsound4756]

The VTV is a hybrid, so is the DestinY DC-222T Hybrid MKII Amp. I don‘t know if it‘s any of noteworthy, just another Preamp section with tubes and conventional power amp.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have the Bada DC222T and I can tell you the VTV is better and in another universe in terms of performance. I know one is a poweramp while the other is an integrated amp. Just no comparison between the 2.

[@mrenlightened]

I think the real question is if Class D can offer a better quality at a lower price. If this amp is $1,499 regular retail, it is better than say the Audiolab 6000A or Cambridge CXA81 which might be cheaper or offer more options?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Good question, only way for me to answer is to AB test it. I do have the Cambridge 651W and 851W and I can see why this amp can be priced above the 651W.

[@amb3cog]

IME owning class D separates vs even better integrated amps then those. The class D are by far, and away the better quality amp for the money. Anyone looking to buy a nice Exposure 3010 S2-D integrated? I'm being serious here too. It's got the optional DAC card installed, the remote, and I'll ship it to you in the original box too. It will only cost a little more then the ones Vijay mentioned too, despite the MSRP of over twice that much. I'm sticking with my Freya+, and either this amp or something like it myself. Right now I'm listening to my Audiophonics Hypex amp, cheap as chips, but smokes anything I know of at that price, or even a lot more. Just too many advantages with these nowadays to bother looking at class AB, unless you're flush with cash.✌️

[@craigembry3391]

Great review. I am planning to pair this amp with the KEF R5’s or R11’s. Enough power? Good match from a sound standpoint? Thoughts? Thank you!

[@rwaring58]

This sounds like it could be a good pairing for my Polk LSiM 703s (feel these bookshelves can do more with a better partner than my Marantz SR6014).

[@samansharifian1961]

I think you should review Primare's class D amps with UFDP technology,so entertaning

[@arpeemac]

@Thomas, is the power input 120V only? Cant find any specs online

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I remember there is a switch at the back to switch between 120v and 220v. Check my first comment, it has an email and email them.

[@rotaks1]

Please test the LRS!

[@rw3915]

Hey Thomas, have you ever tested, or listened to the Audio Research DS450M mono amps, which are Class D amps? I’d love to get your full review on these amps, which are now about 10 years old. Keep up the good work!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Not yet!

[@hanscleung4633]

I love your videos, they are always engaging.I just wanted to ask, doesn't the tube buffer add coloration to the sound ? Class D is "detailed accurate", adding more, would this not be counter productive?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Audio research is pretty neutral. It depends on what you want. If adding a tube preamp extends the reverb which fixes the dryness problem, and as a result, you enjoy the system more, it is not counterproductive. Why is being accurate the end goal? Should enjoyment not be the end goal? It is a hobby after all.

[@nc3419]

They also make a pre for this amp. Any thoughts on that? They match well.

[@edmundgil6008]

Hi Thomas! Love ❤️ when you cover gear that adds a little “MSG”! (Or even some Cayenne pepper! 🌶) what are those black bookshelf speakers in the background? They kinda look like Amphion Argon 1’s, but I can see the front logo/badge is different! Thank you! Great review bro!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, Arendale speakers

[@stevenholt5484]

Thank you Thomas, excellent as usual. I have heard that McIntosh is working on a class D amp. Have you heard anything?

[@amb3cog]

A McD?!😁

[@jerrymorrison7501]

Hello Thomas. I know this is an older video, but still great!, My question is how do you think this would pair with the new Magnepan LRS+'s ? Thanks for the input.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It should work well.

[@OptLab]

Thanks for this video. Are there any top of the line class D amps for iems, headphones and desktop set ups? With body/engagement.

[@Simon-dn9kv]

Thomas, in my experience spending more on an amp buys you more "palpability" thanks to better blackgrounds, separation and detail retrieval. After watching your video I got the impression your McIntosh is mostly "different" but not necessarily a lot better in these areas despite costing a lot more. Or am I mistaken?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Although true, what the Mcintosh is good at is it does EVERYTHING well across the board. So it might not excel in any area, it is the sum of all parts that makes it a great amp. Therefore my own reference amp. I usually don't listen to it because I am so busy with other amps but I do enjoy it when I get a chance.

[@legrandgroves8560]

Need some amp gut shots, very curious