Class-D Integrated Amplifiers

Two factors are making me consider this category of integrated amp. One is that I'd like a generous amount of power. The other is that I'm old! Why does that come into consideration? Because I can no longer lift heavy things without risk to my back. Any amp I get must be of a manageable weight, because occasions will arise when I need to put it in place, remove it, put it somewhere else, etc.

My understanding is that Class-D integrateds can deliver substantial power while being relatively light in weight. Does anyone know of some good ones?

 

I like Class D amps. I'm using a cheap one and I prefer it from my previous (also cheap) Class AB amp. Not because it's superior in sound, because you can never have too much power. Check these brands and any other that makes Hypex based amps. ICE based are also good.

https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/
https://www.apollonaudio.com/

 

I can heartily recommend the Marantz PM-10S1. Great sound although it might be too heavy for you to handle.

 

For integrated amps, Not knowing what you mean by generous power, the PSAudio Sprout 100 is getting rave reviews everywhere. 100 watts a side. IcePower module, subwoofer out and a DAC. Small form factor.

Review: PS Audio Sprout 100 DAC/Integrated Amplifier | Part-Time Audiophile

The Nuprime IDA-8 100 watts, also well reviewed and popular.

NuPrime IDA-8 Integrated Amplifier

Wyred4sound Mint

mINT

 

I would recommend that you audition the Lyngdorf TDAI-2170 or Lyngdorf TDAI-3400.

TDAI-2170 | Lyngdorf Audio

TDAI-3400 | Lyngdorf Audio

 

Check out the Rogue Sphinx. It's a hybrid (tube preamp part). I bought one last Fall and I'm happy w/it.

 

How about separates? You could get a nice little Class D stereo power amp, and then have a host of options for the preamp.

 

The new Marantz PM KI Ruby Integrated is allegedly pretty good, though not exactly a lightweight.

 

Just got a custom D class Integrated for the same reason of finding the tube amp is just too heavy for me and a single lightweight box being convenient.

Runs about the same rated output as my SS but weighs a lot less. Doesn’t actually seem to have as much grunt but has supreme clarity.

I'm thinking separate pre/power might be a better idea. Two lightweight boxes are still manageable but allows customising the input more.

 

If cheap is a requirement Parts Express has some you might want to look at. No idea about quality though.

 

I like my Sphinx. It has a sweet, smooth sound. It is now in my office system. Not thrilled with its phono stage though, if that is important to you.

 

I briefly auditioned a Peachtree Nova integrated amp and was very impressed with it. That might be an option worth considering if you're set on getting an integrated.

 

I use a Wyred4Sound STI-500 to drive by Harbeths and have been extremely happy with the sound. The class D design allows me to keep it running 24/7, which is useful because the system serves double-duty for music and tv.

 

Khozmo makes one with some pretty serious power and high quality parts.

Scroll to the bottom here:
High Quality Audio & Industrial Attenuators and Passive Preamplifiers

 

PS Audio Stellar series gets pretty consistent positive reviews, and their separates only weigh in at 13lbs each. Obviously mono blocks + the preamp weigh in at almost 40lbs together, but you can move them one by one easily. And with the mono blocks you should be able to power anything.

 

I have a Rogue Sphinx. It is fairly basic but runs cool, sounds good, and isn’t heavy. I like the phono stage just fine with my Ortofon 2m bronze, but my ears are 70 years old.
;0)

 

Pioneer Elite SX-S30 Stereo Receiver with Class D amplification and DSD decoding for SACD via HDMI. Under $400 at Amazon.com.

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/ephox/StaticFiles/PUSA/Files/Home/SX-S30_NPR.03.23.17.pdf

 

I have a Rogue Sphinx in one system and a Peachtree Nova 150 in another. I can recommend checking out both.

 

I have a Peachtree Nova65. Not sure what you mean about light weight, but this thing is about 20 lbs.

I think the Rogue Sphinx that many are recommending here sounds better than my Peachtree.

I have never done weight comparisons, but most of these amps weigh about the same.

I moved on to Raven tube integrated from the Peachtree.

Consider the Parasound integrated, its not class D, but an nice Class AB integrated worth considering.

 

The nova150 is Class D and weighs 15 lbs.

 

Right, meant to say 20 lbs.

 

That's the one I'm saving for!

 

Both have a MM phone input, but the Sphinx will also do MC.

An important thing to remember is that the Sphinx is a pretty standard integrated amp, with all analog inputs.

The Peachtree Nova150 is a lot more. It has both digital and analog inputs and has a top of the line DAC. The digital inputs include a USB and an iOS input for Apple lightning devices.

That is a lot of integrated amplifier for $1,499, which is the current advertised price.

I own both Peachtree and Rogue equipment.

 

What price point are you looking for?

 

Another nod to the Rogue Sphinx which I've had for about a year now. It's "relatively" light, simple to use and not only well built but feels that way.