List of PWM Amplifiers. - Page 11

I have a feeling that B&O is a more reliable partner than PP. Not sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if Xd gets switched over to ICEpower when the next version is built.

here is a couple of tidbits, I have seen the inside of many a transformer, its just regular cooper soaking in mineral oil, hell most distribution transformers went to amorphous cores(mixture of metals, like an amalgrum) over a decade ago, it saves them money

Last time I spoke with Paul McGowen of PS Audio (over a year ago), he mentioned they were using a modified version of the B&O Icepower modules. Does anyone know if this is still the case?

Yes, but isn't this a new line of amplifiers? I don't see the Trio A-100 listed on B&Os site.

The part of the thread you are linking to was from February 2005. Even so, the comparison is still probably valid. The ICE modules might be more appealing to someone who prefers the softer high end of tubes and the UCD amps might offer a more accurate presentation. However, a few things have changed with the UCD amps since then. We've learned that with a few strategic modifications they can be improved even more. There have also been some interesting improvements with switching power supplies since then. If you read the full diyaudio thread, you will see a few references to this.

We are looking into this. HDMI input makes sense for compatibility with external STBs, but I'm not sure why someone would need HDMI output. Our device has the amps built-in. Why would you need to output a digital signal to another device for decoding and amplification if that is the purpose of our product? I'm also assuming there would be a separate HDMI connection from the video card to the HD monitor.

In our setup, you would have FireWire between the PC and our product. HDMI between something like a PS3 and our product, and HDMI between the video card and the HD monitor.

Onkyo A-9555 seems to be quite affordable, comparing to the rest of the amps in the list. Does anyone know whats so special about Onkyo's class-D, in comparison to others? How does it compares?

Here is their explaination of their amplification technology:

http://www.eu.onkyo.com/article/article_en_1893452.html

why has digital amplification not caught on in HT? Is there a 5+ch digital HT amp for less than 1K?

starting to research Ucd, ICEpower, T etc - interesting stuff for sure!!

Theta Digital has a 7.1 digital amp (true PCM->PWM). Although, I'm not sure if it is shipping. Their Virtu PowerDAC is based on the technology from Zetex Semiconductors, which they refer to as Class Z. I doubt it will be priced less than $1K.

Because the technology is evolving..
Class D amplifier solutions introduced last year have already undergone significant updates. These updates have included improved FETs, output filters, modulators and switching power supplies..

Like in other CE categories..
Such as video displays, storage, loudspeakers..
As the market demands smaller footprints, and decreased costs..
Class D solutions will increase in market share....

just noticed that the Cary Audio class D did well in the power amp comparison. What technology does it use?

In case anyone wants to know........

We are now at "dot net" instead of "dot com". Long story.......don't ask.

Working on some new stuff. In between sorting out the horror of changing domain names.......

I don't have any practical experience, but I have found the Trends Audio TA-10.1, which is a 15W stereo amp based on Tripath I believe.

Trends Audio

"why has digital amplification not caught on in HT? Is there a 5+ch digital HT amp for less than 1K?"

the single most important factor is the availability of power electronics (Mosfet switchers), associated driver circuitry, and well as DSP for certain models.

the concept of pwm amplification has been around for a long time, and actually predates the lin-topology used in most of today's analog amps (class b). but until we have gotten efficient switchers, we couldn't run them at high enough of an efficiency, and low enough of dead time to produce quality amplifiers.

in that sense, the proliferation of PC prompted heavy investment in switching power electronics, which gives the side product of pwm amps.

http://www.naim-audio.com is another one with apparently lots of Class D offerings. Looks expensive though

In the USA, http://www.naimusa.com

Specs looks good and lots of power.
http://www.tassoaudio.com/product.as...pth=1&rootid=7