VACUUM TUBE AMP vs. GaN FET CLASS D AUDIO AMPLIFIER!
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- #audio #audiophile #hifi
Well here it is, HiFi Tribe !! The grandaddy test. Old School vs. New School ! Pull up a chair !
Your favorite UA-cam Audio Freak,
OCD Mikey !
Vacuum Tube = 1:48
GaN FET = 4:00
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Oh Wow! I have loved tubes for a long time and just sold some very nice tube equipment. Those Class D amps absolutely blew me away. It was like a veil over the music had been lifted, letting the music fly free...WOW!
The reason this channel is better than others is that mikey takes the time to show us the sound along with a brief explanation of a wide range of audio technologies.He has probably touched more audio gear than anyone else on the planet!
Thanks A.D.
Thanks Mikey for the comparison. I agree that the AGDs sound better, esp. noticeable with the wind instruments. I remember way back when you first spoke about them, yes, I have known of you and your channel for many years now. Great stuff.
Great video, best presentation of "tube" sound I've ever heard. Like you I prefer the clarity of the class D. Tubes certainly bring a different character to the music and it's easy to see why some people prefer them.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mikey, you’re firing on all cylinders. Thanks so much for the great content. What a great way to start the day.
Thanks !
Great Music Deva Premal ? Thanks for a great channel and all teaching you give us best regards from Stockholm in Sweden
Hi Mikael 👋 thanks for watching !
Good comparison and great observations.
Gan fet is skilled at stability. Fast and high current Therefore, the deep details will be conveyed very well. Class D in this era has. developed to use PWM at the MHz level with Ganfet. Of course, it can respond to high frequencies up to 100kHz.
The class D amplifier sounds very clear and analytical. However, it doesn’t have any warmth or body or emotion to the sound. Harvey Rosenberg once said: “everybody out there is trying to find a Wolitzer jukebox sound.”
Unfortunately, the class D sound is something I think most people will relish at first, but get tired of it in the long run. If you can’t have absolutely real sound, then we as humans want a more emotional sound. Think about it, when you hear an old wooden tube radio play, there’s just something that draws you into the sound that makes you want to listen. You can call it warmth , body, emotion, but there’s just something that attracts people to such sounds. Bob Carver try to make class D amplifier’s and failed miserably with it. Yes it may be the newest thing out there but if you look it up, you can buy amplifiers that use that GaN Fet technology for about $1700 bucks for a pair of mono blocks. And you’re selling a pair of them for over $7500.
Welp, I respectfully disagree with your assessment of class D technology. I own both the Dunlavy’s SC-IV’s and later SC-IVa’s, both of which sounded great with my Spectron Audio Digital One class D amp. I moved on to newer GaN-based class D designs from Orchard Audio after my Spectron Audio amp opted to self-retire after 30 years of service. 🤡
I suppose China sells shit ass anoxic filtration and plenums as well for a fraction of what American made Crucial install level calls for. There's a reason Elon Musk cut China out of the Space X Vendor supply chain 100%. There's always gonna be cheaper shit to buy, but would you build a rocket with it ? .. I'll tell you what.. a Saturn 5 is FAR more Emotional of a lift off than a Space X reusable, landing, guided rocket... far more inefficient, but WAY more emotional. When we get to mission critical equipment, (Like HiFi is for me) then I choose what's smart, not what makes me emotional. Strippers make me FAR more emotionally charged than my wife... same with Drugs and Alcohol... FAR more of an emotional guy.. a freaking emotional mess is most accurate. So these days I prefer balance and the smart choice that brings no anxiety with it. Tubes have far too many variables. They sound different all the time, depending on their temperature, age, country of origin, manufacture date, materials used, vacuum pressure, pin surface corrosion, vibration of the glass, etc. It's a big ball of anxiety for most of us if we actually get real with ourselves.. so the woody radio is cool simply for the fact that something that old is actually working. It's neato. I love it too. But we can't compare its function with what's better in every way. I suggest that the "emotion" you speak of is actually audio anxiety, brought on by distortion. I also suggest that it is similar to addiction in that it excites us but never completely satisfies. There is never an end to it. And Bob Carver crap is old and crappy. I agree...
Let me clarify something, for professional studio mixing I would definitely prefer the class D sound. It is more accurate overall. But once everything is mixed properly, I much prefer the tube sound for listening, for enjoyment. And for performing live. There is a big difference between professional use and consumer use. In the end, just pick what sounds best to you.
The very basic operation of tubes vs: transistors is the way they valve the power flow. Tubes will ramp the power up and down in a smooth linear fashion; while transistors control the power with abrupt jolts to the system. In my opinion, tubes will always be smoother; and make digital source music much more lifelike and enjoyable.
Real life sound is not smooth however. Let a broomstick drop on the floor. That's called fast transient response. Solid state does "real" better than tubes. Any DAC that requires tubes in order to make it sound real is a crappy DAC in my opinion.
Those gan fet class D amps are some of the best solid state sounds I've heard. But I still prefer the tube sound. I have an LK-72 with 11 tubes, very different tubes. It sounds fantastic. But right now I'm running a class D amp with a tube preamp. That's a really hard to beat combination. Tubes just give me a little bit more of a realistic live performance sound. But I grew up performing with tubes and listening to tubes so, my ears must be spoiled. Just nostalgia I guess. Good video, thank you.
I own the same manufactured class D amp but the Vivace, I love them and had tube mono blocks before. I preferred the Vivace, however with this comparison it sounded to me the class D amp was set at a louder volume setting, which would make one favor them. If they were volume matched, which you did not say they were, then the class D did sound more clear. I am not familiar with the speakers but assume they are very efficient, which the vacuum tube amps would require. Again I don't think you mentioned their efficiency rating.
Mikey you might kill me, but I strongly prefer the tube sound here. To me the class D had a slightly flat sound and it was as if there were a film of plastic around the music. The tubes evinced a feeling of realism from me. I felt like the singers were there with me.I could hear the harmonic glow, but it's a positive if anything. This was one of the starkest differences I have heard yet. Very different sound characteristic.
In this Case the tubes sounded more woolly and a bit slower. Maybe you prefer this because it’s cold outside? 😅 To warm your ears… One would have to try it with different music and a bit longer term…but here in this sample this Class D was simply more vivid and clearer…
I agree .... its the same story that it has always been - the tubes sound more three dimensional ...... the class D lacks that certain something - the best bet is an output transformer less tube amp or a pure class A solid state amp which split the difference of tube and SS down the middle .
The 300Bs have better rounder mids. The other amps are cleaner sure but flat, why even bother having a tube enclosed circuit? Plenty of less expensive class D products out there that sound similar and better at half the price. Sorry!
@@bikemike1118 I guess I'm not looking for clear at all costs. I think the emotional impact is the most important. I can't put words on it, but whenever I hear good tubes, I just say wow.
@@TheRealAudioDidact everything comes down to personal taste at the end of the day. I generally like tubes as well (I have a tube preamp in my chain). I get it. But I found out that there are also better and less good tube amps out there… some too sound open, dynamic and holographic…others sound too warmish and woolly and a bit blurred. But in general I have no bad feelings about tubes. As I said: in this very sample and via UA-cam…to my ears the „new“ amp sounded better. This may change with different music etc… 👍🏼
I downloaded both song snippets as WAV 16bit/44.1kHz files and compared them using two instances of Spek (spectrum analyzer), two images. I couldn't perceive any differences in the colors, even when playing with its various settings (see help). Both spectra ended at 16 kHz.
This is not to claim that there are no audible differences, but as long as a preference isn't based on a blind test then such preference is just plainly subjective. I've been building tube amps 50 years ago and yes when are driven hard they can sound different from a class D amp, they can compress, add slight harmonic distortion, clip in a more graceful way etc. I feel that it got into our DNA (sort of ) that something like that sounds better ... Not easy.
Hi ocd great videos you hear the AGD duets, ? I like to buy the audion but i am curios about the duets
I love GaN class D. I have a number of them and they all sound great, included in those are the AGD Audions that Mikey played. They are great. But I have to mention that Mike has such nice taste in music. I think you should have a music discovery channel or something. I would subscribe!
Thanks Man !
what other GaN D's do you have ?
@@phillipmorris9847 Orchard Audio Starkrimson Stereo Ultra. I also have a pair of Jeff Rowland Model 125 amps that I bought from Mike. They are class D. But don’t think they are GaN. They are great nonetheless.
@@RJ_Chicago Nice, how does the starkrimson stack up ?
@@phillipmorris9847 very well. I haven’t done a formal comparison. But it’s a very transparent amp. Lots of detail. I have a small collection of amps. To me it’s like collecting art. Except I limit the size of the collection. 😀
That monos from Agd are so tempting , also because they are so light and small ,
For me ,..I do find them beautiful
And ,..I am a tube guy since about 25 years now , …..but always open to hear new solutions and technologies ,
Well I'm happy to get you some to listen with. Just call !
I am about to pull the trigger on the AGDs, likely the Duets. Matching the AGDs with speakers is now my focus. I do hear the benefits of both, but the AGD, much more to my preference.
Let me know if I can sell you the amps...
Qui peut le plus peut le moins.
Grab a solid state amp and slap tube emulation DSP for the few tracks that benefit from a slower response time, phase discrepancies, even harmonics, bias fuzz, diminished phantom center or whatever else. I also have vintage Hi-Fi tube amps but don't use them anymore.
Great comparison, crystal clear difference.
Nice experiment and well guided. 👍. In this case I liked the AGD’s also more then the tube AMP’s .
You and me both!
It all depends upon the preferences of the listener. To each his own, I have had both and like them both.
That's why I sell both.. ;-)
I’m always astounded when the difference is so clear on UA-cam. As a solid state guy, I’m shocked at how much more I preferred the tube presentation. The vocals were night and day different, so much nicer than the GanFet, I’m still not a class d fan then.
I'm always perplexed by how people can't hear how much better something is. GaN, which is nowhere near regular class D, kills every tube amp we've tried to date. I'll keep trying. I suppose you love Vinyl too...?
The AGD Gran Vivace arrive on Saturday. Purchased them without first hearing them. Cannot wait! I'll be AB'ing against my Accuphase A36.
Let us know how it goes !
Such different presentations - I can hear now how people might prefer one or the other. I prefer the AGDs but the tubes create more vocal 'presence' and lushness that is also enjoyable,
You got it !! 👍
I appreciate the vid Mikey, very interesting comparison - agree completely with your take - - - can't say that I'm a fan of those speakers - first thing that struck me was the sound of boxes, a bit of an exaggeration but just to describe how they came across to me - that said, same thing, regardless, I'm still grateful to have the opportunity to hear them and glad that you used them in your comparison.
They ARE cool. But I agree. I don't like box speakers.
GAN has more controlled bass notes over the tube example here. Though been told the AGDs were voiced after Japan Bakoon amps. Don’t doubt that AGD SQ..But hey it’s all rumorville. Thx for the vid Mikey.
LOL, wow... its amusing what people come up with .... Better Fact check that one...
The internet don’t lie! 😆
Thanks for the comparison.
To me, the tube amps sounded a bit out of focus if that makes sense. Not as sharp, but not bad.
The AGDs sounded more in focus or in phase. I guess that what you mean by 'Clear'.
The only catch... what happens when you want to go to an active speaker? 😈
Sell the amps ?
Prima Luna 400 Pre Amp, with AGD power amps sound PERFECT together.
GaN FET Class D amplification is also used in the Orchard Audio Starkrimson amplifier. Gan FET amps cost more so they're used less often, but they're revered for the top end detail and ability to control speaker diaphragms with an iron fist. I saw an audio engineer explain that GaN FET amps switch 3 to 4 times faster than standard class D amplifiers, and this eliminates crossover distortion. Regardless of the impressive tech specs, there's no denying that they sound amazing.
For sure. There is still something about the high distortion of vacuum tubes that is very enjoyable however.
For sure. There is still something about the high distortion of vacuum tubes that is very enjoyable however.
with GanFet , I can hear more deeper into the music while tube will selectively show you the euphonies and musical stuff only...
I prefer the Class AB amplifiers from the 70s and 80s. The sound is a happy medium between a tube amps and GaNFER class D amps.
Well you'll save money. Make sure the capacitors are not leaking
@@OCDHIFiGuyI’ll ReCap my Pioneer A-9 in a timely manner and possibly upgrade the binding posts to accept banana plugs.
I loved the tube amplifier sound.
Me too!
I just did a similar demo between my expensive tube separates and my Jeff Rowland Continuum S2. I also prefer the cleaner class d sound.
One day a man stops running around after women when he finds peace and content.
Thanks for the video! Going back and forth jumping in the video, using decent head phones - I couldn´t hear any difference. I really tried but no. People seems to hear a difference using theirs phone... Am I deaf or are people biased...
perhaps you are not sure HOW to listen... I leave clues during the video to help
Does anyone know what album was playing, loved the vocals?
Deva Premal is the artist. Can't remember album.
Mikey, we've recently learned of a field coil speaker that has no spider and no surround; nothing to slow or impede cone travel. They also have a cabinet of stacked plywood like our old Magico M5s. The speakers are Ilumnia Magisters; have you ever heard them or have an opinion? Thanks.
Have not. Will they be at AXPONA?
@@OCDHIFiGuy I do not think so. Was hoping that in your travels you may have heard/seen them. Google them, it's a fascinating design.
Thanks for the video.
I've been listening to class d amplifier since 1990.
Suddenly there are lots of musicians playing music and not faking fiddling violins.
Not good for those whom just laze around in the house 😂
Thank you Mikey for a wonderful comparison, the sound demo was rewarding in many ways....! My opinion is relative to what you want to hear : Both amplifiers sound great, the 300 B sounds warmer, sweet, easy to listen too for a longer period of listening time, reproduces the even harmonics slightly better than the D Amplifier. The D Ampifier using Gallium Nitrate Technolgy sounds great, however it has a Digital Haze what i mean is that whe i listen to the sound it seems a little on the edgy side maybe slightly grainy ( Granular ) The antithesis is the following Gallium Nitrate is an intersting upcoming technology but still reuires refinement; if anyone sitts down for a longer period of time listening to music the 300 B will be more plesant to the ear and the individual will tend to listen longer to the content. In summary and this is my opinion only; in todays market one cannot justify the high cost of a Gallium Nitrate Amplifier over a 300 B. I personally own high end SET amplifiers and transistor amplifiers. Is one better than the other i always come back to the Vacuum Tube Amplifier ....! Why because i have no listening Fatigue when i listen to source music on this type of technology.
I hear what you are saying, but you are describing the job of the front end. And so you know, class D is an 100% ANALOG amplifier technology. There's nothing digital about it... ;-) the only Digital haze possible is from DAC
Go listen to a set of Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks lots less than AGD. Same tech etc.
Interesting comparison. When you hear the first rendition, it’s sounds even and very pleasant. Nothing shouty and very well sorted for what it is. The second rendition sounded… let’s call it forward. Obviously more bloom in all instruments and voices.
Like small filter has been lifted.
I wouldn’t say the mids are lifted but rather more present in the recording. All aspects of the finishing of notes are crisper.
Been a while since i"ve watched your channel, glad to be back. What field coil speaker are you using? Edit: Oh I see, Feasterex. I've only seen the smaller ones. So no sub was used in this cliP?
No Sub whatsoever... thanks for watching !
I can hear spatial definition cleared a bit with the GaN-Ds. But the tubes sound more forgiving on the speaker. The classDs will stir-up your critical mind and then...(guess who's going to be the culprit, especially if you try them with some Maggies too!). To me, the only reason for one to go tubes-way, is a good, simple, class A, SET, ZERO-FEEDBACK amp. Paired with a clean, sharp, uncolored speaker, not needing more than a couple of watts to sing properly. Not the easiest thing on audio-earth, of course.
Now I’m having a Audio Note system but thinking to go your route > SET + Cube Audio full range..
To me tubes sound more organic and with soul. Btw I have ocd to but to my these ‘harmonic distortions’ calm me. For me the ‘clear’ and ‘clinical’ sound does not touch me.
Perhaps a tast thingy! There is no good or bad here.
@@nicktube3904 Ideally, reproduced music should sound almost identical to live music. This requires both the good things of tubes and the good things of solid state amps, without their shortcomings (suppose we'd have the perfect loudspeaker). From this point, we all have to pick our poison. I picked low wattage class D (Tripath) amplification as the best "all-rounder". Checks all my quality boxes better than tubes EXCEPT for the dynamic liquidity that a good, class A, SET, zero negative feedback, single power tube per channel design can deliver. (But then, even this becomes weaker than class D, at other areas). A SET + Cube Audio, by the way, is a great choice. Not exactly world class, because the Cubes have their own limitations too (colored- although in the beautiful, technicolor-like way), but perhaps you'll never ask for more if your main music is small classical ensembles and acoustic jazz. (a world class loudspeaker should be able to play any music, with the same quality, at similar loudness levels. The bigger Cubes almost do this but distortion is heard at realistic playback levels).
Hence tube known for warm sound…I like that quality too, I wouldn’t be able to endure listening as long on the modern stuff, I accept we all have specific qualities, give me the older vacuum amps.
Not all 300B sets or sets in general sound has those syrupy sounds. Listen to Kondo amps to hear what a good SET can do. SETs are simple devices and are very response to tube rolling changes. If you use syrupy tubes or have mushy sounding caps, you will have a mushy sound.
Mushy sounding Caps ? Very responsive to different tubes ? Thats the LAST thing I want in my audio system. Something with sound that is always changing or can be changed easily. I've got 5 pair of tube monos including $30K monos. 4 stereo tube amps, 3 rube preamps, a tube crossover and a tube EQ. One Day it all gets old when you realize a tube rig = change of sonic performance anxiety.
The tube is like looking at a sunset through a dirty window thinking it so beautiful, then you step outside and see the truth what beauty really is with the Gan FET. When you can tell the difference from UA-cam has to be huge improvement in person.
For sure, Chris. What we have here is a disruptive technology. It smashes the traditional belief system, and people don't like the idea that what they've believed to be true may no longer be true. It does not mean people still can't enjoy tubes, but the proof is in the pudding. One has less distortion and sounds just as natural. ;-)
That is a very apt description.
Hi, thanks for the comparison. A newbie question: if one makes a class D amp then why make it in the form factor of tubes? Why not just a regular box?
Hi Paul,
Thanks for watching. When someone truly innovates technology, they may want to punctuate their design prowess or maximize their design integrity by not simply stopping at the box. Instead, by going 100% with the design through the circuit all the way to the aesthetic, one makes a stronger mark in the memory of listeners. It's an industry first, in several ways and I love it, actually...
@@OCDHIFiGuy I see-so the tube-like design of this class D amp is for the look, not because of some technical or acoustic considerations
I run a cec belt drive transport, dht tube dac with tube regulated power supply and 6sn7 tube preamp in front of my class d amps, sounds great.
I get a little of the best of both worlds without too much sacrifice on either side, my listening buddies agree, fwiw.
Very cool!
Hi, how do you think about purifi amp vs GaN amp.?😊
Purifi not my thing but good value for the price conscious. 👌
The next A vs. B challenge in this setup must be the Rowland Model 125 Class D amp against AGD Audion Class D amp(s). To be fair, one might consider allowing 2 Model 125 amps configured as single channel, non-bridged mono-blocks for the comparison against the AGD Audion mono-blocks to offset the power supply differences between a stereo amp against two mono amps. Or alternatively, compare the Model 125 stereo amp against the AGD Tempo stereo amp. Let the struggle session begin for Mikey!! 🤡
Nah, not motivated for that im afraid...
@@OCDHIFiGuy yeah, I didn’t think you’d bite that bait. 🤡
@@dragocelander6671 if you watch my channel I've done it already in another vid..
@@OCDHIFiGuy I occasionally watch your channel. 🤡 I’ll see if I can search for it here.
@@OCDHIFiGuy I actually viewed that clip from a year ago, wherein you compared the Rowland Model 125 to the AGD Tempo. You characterized the results as being the Model 125 having superior craftsmanship, value and power than the Tempo. You deftly avoided the sound quality question, perhaps for good reason. 😊
I agree with you, I can hear the difference also.
I hear your point. I agree with Drago, it would be interesting to hear AGD v Rowland.
Jeff, Mikey actually compared the Rowland Model 125 to the AGD Tempo about a year ago. You can search this channel and locate it fairly easily. I’ve seen so many vids on this channel that I forgotten that I had already seen that one. Lol
@@dragocelander6671 Cool, thanks!
The Valve amp still sounds more pleasing to my ears.
Yes, tubes are special sounding
Much prefer the GAN in this setup. About to demo a tube integrated here soon.
Best wishes !
Solid state has me feeling like, okay, this an incredibly bad ass amp and doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. Yet the tubes have me feeling hypnotized and wanting to hear and more and more; even though I know it lacks the speed, power, and articulation of solid state.
However high end class AB amps both in separates and integrated form from the 1970s to early 1990s have the speed and articulation of class D amps but lack the listener fatigue and have a warmer sound.
Agreed. The tube was a superior experience.
Mike! Fantastic Demo! What is the artist, album and track that you played? Beautiful! Thanks.
Deva Premal. Can't remember the rest.. I'll get it
@@OCDHIFiGuy Never mind. I found it. Deva Premal Lokah Samasta
@@RJ_Chicago there it is...
First abort vinyl now abort tubes also, what you demonstrated got my attention. Hard to go into denial with what my ears and emotions tell me after listening to your session. I may have to look at downsizing the weight, size and complexity of some of my gear! Thanks
Good to keep an open mind 👌
Late your party but you should hear the Orchard Audio's premium monoblocks. They are much more affordable than than AGDs...
I've heard them. It's not as good as AGD sonically, but yes, less cost...
@@OCDHIFiGuy The brand new premium ones that are Just coming out? I just heard them at a factory open house and I ended up preordering them. I was looking at KT88 Tube amps and I was blown away how clean etc. Plus a pair of monoblocks for a tad over $2k including local tax didn't hurt. Being an avg. guy with bigger eyes than wallet, I couldn't even think about $13K-$34K (model dependent) plus for the AGDs. I would love a direct comparison! Plus, I am and always will be a Benefits/Cost kind of guy, being 90-99% or more there works for me but not everyone and I appreciate that. Thanks for the response, as I enjoy your YT vids, its appreciated! :-)
Tube is exelent! Class D is switcher and more dinamic distortion. Profesionals for tube!
The most revealing thing about this video is YOUR bias!
The Addition of the Live Vibe platforms under the new speakers made as much difference as the amp swap out. The platforms will work forever and not wear out. No need for a change. Will up grade any component.
Absolutely
I realize that listening like this is very different from being there, and I certainly don't have super hearing or anything, but in both of them I hear a hardness in the upper midrange that's very similar to what I heard when I built a speaker using the Li Audio Silver 8 driver.
I own myself a class d amplifier together with others. I enjoy it very much. Let me tell you, tube amplifiers designs are done wrong, most of the times. Tubes have distortion. In order to reduce distortion, circuits use much feedback current and so they sound slow. Get a well built 300b amplifier with an independent tube filament power supply, for example, and a almost zero feedback circuit and then tell me which one is faster and crispier. Tube distortion is never unpleasant, no need to reduce it to almost zero.
How did the soundstaging compare inroom Mikey!
In Room, the tubes were midrange forward and aggravating. We had to search for songs that we could play. Not so with GaN. The GaN sounded better in the room. It was easy to hear. Perhaps Canary Audio is shit. Even with top level tubes. I'll retry this with some $30K Tube monos to see...
Mikey, try one of the current Conrad Johnson tube amps. They are awesome. Jeff has done a tremendous job with the current CJ products. No slow, syrupy, overly tube like sound with these. Fast, detailed, powerful and very smooth.
Hi Barry, if there's one thing I really don't like, it's a tube amp trying to be like a solid state amp. I'd rather kick its ass with a solid state. Prime example Balanced Audio Tech... just buy SS and get the job done right. To me, tube amps SHOULD sound tubey... that's why we use them. Otherwise, use SS... just my opinion...
@@OCDHIFiGuy The CJ amps have the attributes of SS but have not lost that wonderful sound people love about tubes. I have a CJ Art 150 but I use my SS amp 90% of the time. It sounds just as good without the hassle of tubes. If you get a chance you should still listen to a current CJ amp. I haven’t heard your class D amp but every one I’ve heard so far sucks.
Those Shakti Hallowgraphs in the background need to be positioned 3 inches forward to get the best performance.
Kids learn to 'not touch' hot vacuum tubes exactly the same way they learn to 'not touch' a hot stove. Either they listen to the adult and believe, or they use their fingers if they don't believe. Either way they learn and it won't kill them.
Naturally I expect very good (high end) Class D amps to out perform any tube amp when it comes to accurate sound reproduction. Yes, tubes change the sound, and some people really like that change. To each his/her own.
Absolutely !
This is a real eye opener, Mike. You are firing on all cylinders. Never have been a tube power amp fan. Too soft. But tubes in a preamp or phono preamp - now you're talking.
Rock on ! Thx !
I really felt the tube amp was more musical and liked it more. I felt less of that musicality with the class D amps under these listening conditions.
They are for sale if you like !
@OCD HI-Fi Guy I listened, sitting in a Tesls Model S, playing the music through the built-in stereo system. I usually listen to solid state at home. But inside the Tesla, the thicker sound works better because the Tesla's stereo is a little thin in the midrange.
Class D definitely more details, but I was thinking to myself that I would probably get listening fatigue with the GaN FET far sooner than the 300B amp. So, my vote goes for the tube amp.
That's what the common repeated thought may be, but clear detail does not mean fatigue, in every situation. The best systems have clear, well defined leading edge, fast transient response and ZERO fatigue. Making this happen is harder than it sounds however. In my experience it's the job of the DAC. In this listening session, contrary to my expectation, the tube was more fatiguing due to a midrange push and what I suppose is distortion. Distortion/ noise is what fatigues us. So the GaN tube with the Playback Designs MPD-8 DAC was the most balanced sounding and least fatiguing. It totally took me by surprise. I did not expect this.
@@OCDHIFiGuy I agree it can be and that it is difficult. However, I would say that it's not (merely) distortion that is the source of fatigue.
Could not hear much of difference over my computer audio system. I would have to listen in person to make an assessment as to what amp suited my taste. In any case, could you list the artist and track you used for your Demo? Really liked it. From the tube gear I have auditioned over the years I have always felt Cary gear to be a bit too cloying. I really wanted to like them, nonetheless I preferred the sound from brands like McIntosh, BAT, ARC, Rogue, Atmasphere, Primaluna, and the VTL. I guess my preferences lean towards the new generation of tube sound versus the stuff that tries to emulate the sonics from 50 years ago.
Interesting group pf name brands.. they are very different in sound... Take it from me, who was here, the AGD was better to listen to..
Deva Premal.. Cant remember the track..
The 300b sounds fuller and more natural, the other might be cleaner but not as pleasing. If class D is your thing there a plenty of amps out there at half the price giving you similar if not better class D performance. Peachtree being one of them. Personally not a fan of class D myself either but maybe someday if they can do better. Next time try a KT-150 tube amp and see what people think. In a true blind test, it won’t even be close.
Well to all of us here , the class D was much better sounding. We know the exact circuit of the Peachtree and its measurements and its nowhere near AGD.. remember brother, this designer worked FOR the company that MADE the chips for everyone.. LOL, Ive got some KT150s to sell, you want to buy them... Ive fgot 2 pair of KT150 Monoblocks Ill sell cheap.. Made in USA ... LOL. One day my man, you'll have no other choice but Class D... Accept it now or accept it later but it will be swallowed by you one day, or if you refuse you will leave HiFi..
There are measures of the switching power supply that says something different but you are on the cutting edge with these two designers of agd and playback design, I will try a good 211 or 845 or 45 all nos preamp tubes and verastar, they are unsustainable for the money, Japanese trasformer are different they say…we are nostalgic like who shots films photography, broken and without work ;)
Well tuned Class AB amplifiers have a fast and articulate sound just like high end class D amplifiers but more pleasant and warmer.
I hope I'm not offending you, but I think it's not a completely fair comparison.. I was just wondering which tube amp you used for the comparison as it seems like the one with the worst sound quality was picked. If you don't mind, perhaps you could consider trying a better quality tube amp for a more accurate comparison. Was that a SE amp? The Tubey sound that people speak of IMO is the sound of the coupling capacitors. Coupling capacitors tend to slow the music (tubes themselves are quite fast). Try eliminating the coupling capacitors and use directly coupled and interchange transformers to drive the output tubes. You will be quite surprised.
Hi Frank, thanks for talking like a civil Human Being. You make a valid point. These are $10K MSRP S.E.T. amps using a single 300B at 8W. I figured it was a fair price comparison vs $7500 GaN monos. I'll move on to some $30,000 monos soon and compare as well. Perhaps people need to buy the Primo Tube amps do really hear the prowess of a tube. The output transformers will make or break a tube amp. Perhaps Canary Audio is total crap.. the tubes were from $200 to $500 each though ....
Class D is like Karen Carpenter’s voice. Tube is like Stevie Nicks. To each his own.
Vanilla or Chocolate, which do you choose ?
@@OCDHIFiGuy good one LOL
It would be very interesting to know how / why you equate class D with Karen Carpenter’s voice. Would you please explain.
@ if you were a foreigner taking an English oral comprehension test, who would you like to be your narrator?
Her voice is crystal clear like purified air or water.
On the other hand, it lacks the warmth and uniqueness of Stevie Nick’s voice.
Like I said, to each his own.
Through the recording, the tube sounds better to me.
Well there's your choice
@@OCDHIFiGuy For sure, thats very obvious. Each persons preference is their choice :)
Classd sound beautiful trasparent.
Two different sounds. I prefer certain aspects of the GaN but I also prefer certain attributes of the tubes. Guess I need to own both and actively biamp
Try a high end class AB amplifier including a vintage one. The sound is a hybrid between GaN and tubes.
" the 300b ..... its like you have a river of honey " - OCD Mikey
LOL, I hope youre writing these down for us all... ;-) Please keep track, you get some good ones...
Have you done Jeff Rowland vs AGD?
Yes, 125 vs Tempo
Based on previous video, I would guess Jeff Rowland would be a better buy.
For people that can't quite afford to spend $2000+ on a GaN FET amp, Peachtree Audio has their GAN-1 on sale right now for around $1300. It's a GaN FET amp with a DAC-less design. I recently picked up the GAN-1 and the Bluesound Node "stack" combo for just under what the GAN-1 normally sells for and this combo is amazing. Still going through the burn-in period with the amp but even out of the box I was blown away by the soundstage and clarity of this amp.
Yeah, sometimes I say simply be patient and save for higher level up, because I know what's inside a Peacthree... ;-) but if it makes you happy, do it !!
+1 for Peachtree Gan1 combo with the BS Node. I upgraded my 12 year old Inova and couldn't be happier.
Mikey... Do you add compression or gain on these recordings?
None on my end. I have no idea what UA-cam does, however... I simply use my Galaxy S22 Ultra...
@@OCDHIFiGuy lol. Nice phone. I had the note 3, note 4, 2 Note 9s and now the note ultra 20. Great phones.
I am curious. I know you have great hearing and you use great equipment. I have noticed a few people comment on hearing something off on some of these recordings and I am able to hear it as well rather I am inside listening to my main system or my car. It sounds slightly over driven to be honest. If you are using your phone it makes total sense, especially while also sending via youtube. Have you heard of Ron from new record day? He has something going on with his recordings despite using youtube. I don't know if he is still using the binaural head mic that cost several thousand to record or what but it's worth a listen/look. I'm sure if anyone can figure out how to perfect these recordings, it would be you. Being able to hear your A/B comparisons with the best quality reasonably attainable without spending a ton would be most excellent
@Mr flimflam fremdippity danyet I'll go back and re record at lower volume. I'll also try different music and different amps. I intend to drive this point home. ;-)
@@OCDHIFiGuy cool brother man!
the AGD amps sounded way better. You have so many box speakers now! Must be in a new gear acquisition phase. No wonder you're designing your own with the Nemesis 11. Very curious how those end up
Glad youve got ears that can hear...lol THX, Nem11 coming up !
As a classical musician my whole life who has experienced live music countless times I can say IMO the tubes are much more realistic. Class D is cleaner but much more two dimensional.
You’re the ONE that has to LIVE with it !!!???
The GaN FET sounded in a totally different league, far superior.
Mikey, you make it sound like the AGDs have real tubes.????
No... real tube outsides, solid state insides.
@@OCDHIFiGuy ROFL: dude you know the tubes are not real tubes, they are cosmetic
So I thought my tubed monoblocks just didn't get along with my olympia 1 stand mount speakers. Always tizz, fuzz, harmonic--whatever. THEN I got a Marchand electronic model 44 xover and got a e-purify based Class D for the lows and used the monoblocks just for the highs. Magic. Perhaps GanFet is even better but I heard your pal speak at Cap Audio Fest and well he had a short fuse so to say. Mychal of Mytek had to bail him out.
Mr. Kutheis attended the seminar organized at CAF22 this last November, the seminar was specifically about GaN MOSFET in Class-D topologies.
Michal Jurewicz and I proposed and coordinated the event in collaboration with the CAF22 organizers. A seminar that based on the collected feedback was extremely appreciated by all the attendees, maybe except for Mr. Kuthesis
During my presentation, almost 50min long, Mr. Kutheis asked in different moments, various questions that were addressed and answered in full and in real time by me; his final question which by the way was not pertinent to the theme of the seminar, was what I thought about Mr. Putzsey and its Class-D products.
I replied that as a rule, AGD does not comment on any competitors in the industry (for professional courtesy and for ethical standards we strive to honor), and as a personal discipline, a discipline I learnt in the hard way in a few years of life (62): I don’t comment on people or things I have no knowledge of.
This was (and is) the case of Mr. Putzsey, which I never met in my life, and the case of the Purifi products, which I never had the opportunity to study or test.
Mr. Kuthesis insisted to know more about why the technique to cope with the noise of the Purifi products (reading his comment I understand he was probably looking to a reassurance about the choice he made in acquiring those products).
Again, I tried to address that question by describing the many components of the noise in an audio circuit, and how in general designers may use different techniques to cope with it, among them filters and high negative feedback loops, which sometime I remember I said, can have a detrimental effect on the quality of the sound produced.
Again that explanation was apparently not satisfactory for Mr. Kuthesis, he insisted on the subject and at that moment Michael intervened by providing an answer that although very generic, produced the successful outcome to make Mr. Kuthesis silent, so we could continue and finally conclude the seminar.
So if Mr. Kuthesis thinks that I have a short fuse, he is certainly entitled to his opinion, and he can post his opinion anywhere he likes, as he did already on another video about the review on another AGD product. What is however weird to me is why he is so pedant in recounting something so peculiar and yet by omitting key facts. I believe I was very professional and accomodating Mr. Kuthesis, but clearly he likes to smear our brand using the excuse of an alleged short fuse...may be he should lear to listen more, and not just the music.
Hi Pete, Yes, taking bass duty away from a tube amp is a BIG help for them..
@@Albert-nj9xm I have no opinion on this matter, but I appreciate your detailed explanation. From my past experiences with you at previous AXPONA events, you’ve always held yourself out as the paragon of patience and professionalism. See you in April!
Hi Mikey, what is the field coil speakers featured here?
Feastrex D9
Hey Mikey
I can hear the difference on my phone, but would definitely need to hear it in person to get the true perspective
I currently have two Carver 350 watt mono blocks which sound great
My buddy has 2-400 class D from Tommy O’Brian (god rest his soul)watt mono blocks which also sound great, he has spatial open baffle speakers and I have ARS Aures MI so totally different systems and I would be happy with either, to your point of getting out of HiFi, that said I do like listening to different rigs
Take Care
I prefer the tubes.
There u go..
Tubes are richer and more musical. More organic sounding. GAN is definitely cleaner and more precise. Just depends on what YOU want in the end.
Yep, sounds like you want tubes...
The vacuum tube sounds much much better. More musical. The second amp is too sterile. Yes it's clear but sterile.
Want to buy the tube amps ?
@@OCDHIFiGuy I've already bought three models from different manufacturers. I too have solid state amps from Japan, expensive ones. Only when it comes to speakers I'm a bit apprehensive. Expensive ones don't sound better. Now using wharfedale. Not clinically clear but musical to my ears.
The speakers have a horrible mid-range colouration that seems exited more by the tube amp than the GaN amp. Maybe try it with speakers that have cleaner mid and top....
The old school tubes sound better. Not dry like the class D sounds.
I want to buy this music! What is it please? :)
Deva Premal... any of her stuff is great
.
I listen to HipHop and Rock music and Class D Gan Fet all the way
Now put a good tube preamp like the Fixer to your class D's
Lol. People have such a wrong idea about tubes.. they fix shitty systems only. The preamp called the "fixer" is proof. Lol. Buy some good SS and listen to the difference..
@@OCDHIFiGuy I have. You are so close to being right. The problem is 99% of recorded music has shitty errors. A perfect reproduction just highlights the errors. So if you only want to listen to 1% of the music out there. Keep doing what you are doing. You are just rediscovering the wheel. You do realize that solid state and even digital chips were perfected long ago.
@Fredrick Rourk so you're saying I need to sugar coat everything to make it listenable ? False... listen to "shitty recordings" on my SS rig and you will have a paradigm shift. You simply need more experience.
@@OCDHIFiGuy just good bye. You assume a lot about people. In 6 months you will have a new the best. Have fun
@Fredrick Rourk SEE ya...clearly you don't know me. Look 3 years back in my videos and my gear is the same... unlike the typical mainstream Audio channels. Watch this channel as I bring on guest after guest that have 40+ years experience in HiFi talk about how ridiculous it is to think Vinyl and Tubes are the best for HiFi... they are not. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they like, but there are reasons why we all end up the same after 40 years doing this. We wake up to the bullshit eventually...
I’m listening to this on my iPad, so there’s that, but the GaN sounded better. Also you can get a Peachtree Audio GaN for couple thousand…
I do not agree. It is a matter of taste, and I prefer the tube sound agreeing with a number of comment. This is pushing the AGD in my face and I do not like that. There are otters channels that have a better concept of trying to objectively compare components. But anyway, thanks for the effort. I know that making these videos requires time and devotion, Mikey and you are commended for that. Have a good Xmas!
Merry Christmas! There is something for everyone. Many people like old technology...
Which speakers?
Custom speaker using a ported design with the single field coil driver from Feastrex.
@@dragocelander6671 Thanks
The valves are better I can hear the D artifact !!!!
Lol. No you cant...
both sounded identical over youtube....I still cannot believe Jeff Rowlands best amps are class D ?
Well not any longer. They are out of production and his latest designs are A/B...