Is Class D Amplification Coming Into Its Own?

Class D Amplifier

It may have been a dirty little word in years past, but is Class D coming into it own? Audiophile’s typically regard Class A as one of the best sounding amplifier topologies on the market. But recent technological advances have high end amplifier designers taking another look at the more energy efficient (and cooler running) class D power.

In this week’s episode of PTA’s The Occasional Podcast, Jon Derda from MoFi Electronics joins the show to help explain and dissect the current state of class D. New tech like Gallium Nitride (GaN) are carving a new path forward. Are we on the edge of an audio revolution? Only time will tell.

The Occasional Podcast has just launched into their seventh season. Previous episodes include Our We Heading Towards a Tube Shortage?, interviews, how to’s and more from audio’s greatest talents, including their picks for products of the season, another interesting conversation about the History Of The BBC’s LS3/5a Loudspeaker,  A Beginner’s Guide To Tube Amplifiers and A View From The Booth: Reference Systems, Accuracy & Why Audiophiles Love Jazz So Much: including rare interview with the late audio legend engineer Al Schmitt. The finale from season 5 includes the yearly “best of awards” and you can also find episodes covering British HiFi, Subwoofers/Setup/Tips, and the how to: Budgeting From Entry Level To High End. Season 4 highlights include Joseph Audio, Pro-Ject Turntables, and Rob Watts. One can still download this season’s educational show with TOP’s Beginners Primer To High Fidelity Digital Audio alongside the latest on Two-Way Speaker Design. Fan favorite What Is Mastering? What Happens When An Album Is Remastered? is also still available as well. If you are interested in further exploring the analog realm, the Guide To Buying A Turntable (and records) might point you in the right direction. 

Options to stream this week’s Class D direct from the embed below or subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform including iTunes, Android, Google, Deezer, Spotify, iHeartRadio and more.