Power Amp Disappointment

[Mutsu]

I had been using a class A/B integrated amp with build in USB dac for the last couple of years for my stereo speaker setup and had been relatively happy with it. After getting an RME ADI-2 Dac for my desktop setup with headphones, I got the itch buy a power amp and use the ADI-2 with my stereo speakers.

Needing something that is a small form factor and runs cool, I opted for the XTZ Edge A2 300.

To be honest, I'm a bit underwhelmed versus my class A/B amp. The Edge to my ears in my system sounds laid back and lacks a full rounded sound (especially in the lower frequencies and mids) - this becomes more apparent when listening at lower volumes, even with the Loudness setting enabled on the ADI-2 Dac. It's also very apparent when I go from listening to my speakers and then switch to my headphones where all frequencies sound much more full.

Has anyone experienced this?

At this stage I'm not sure where to go from here: to try other power amps, try EQing the Edge A2 300 or send it back and use my old class A/B amp.

 

[March Audio]

ICE based by any chance?

 

[Mutsu]

Yes it is ICE based.

 

[March Audio]

Its why we went with Hypex/Purifi.

 

[Mutsu]

Would you recommend I try the Teac AP505? It has a Hypex module and is available for me in Japan.

I think I will send the Edge back, I just checked the product page and they've reduced it 100 euros since I purchased it.

 

[McFly]

Agreed with March. Heard both

 

[Fledermaus]

Is there anything in available data or measurement results that would have been predictive of this ?
And, to your knowledge, do Pascal modules suffer such drawbacks vs Hypex/Purifi ?

 

[Panelhead]

I also have decided to stick with A/B amplification. Definitely have not heard the newer and better switching amplifiers, but happy with what I know.
Return the XTZ and find something you like. Nice dac BTW.

 

[Mutsu]

Yea, I'm tempted to try something like Hyperx based on March Audio's comment.

Measurement wise I just heard that the Icepower modules measure well, not as good as Hyperx.

Have no idea what the measurements were, but I had an Audiolab 8200P a while ago that I loved the sound of. Unfortunately I'm not in a country where I can use that easily now.

My A/B amp is in quite a different price range to the Edge A2 300 too, $2,000 versus $500, but the A/B amp is an all in one package too and also 9 years old now.

 

[Mudjock]

I built an amp based on the icepower 200ASC a number of years ago and had similar issues, and came to understand that there were issues with input impedance and distortion profile vs. frequency (peak at 6.7 kHz) that were messing with the voicing of my speaker designs. In that case, the speaker I voiced using that amp was a little laid back when I used them with other amps. I wound up selling the speakers and amp together, so all worked out well - but had to move to a more neutral amp (a Rotel RB-991). I wonder if XTZ is using input buffering with their icepower implementation. I also wonder if the larger 1200AS2 suffers from the same issue as I would like at some point to replace the Rotel with something smaller, lighter, more efficient. Whatever I replace it with needs to be neutral and resolving above all things.

 

[Mutsu]

Interesting. What speakers were you using with your amp?

My speakers are Tannoy Precision 6.2

 

[sejarzo]

ICE based by any chance?

Sounds to me as if you also know the technical reason for that. Is it a problem with current delivery in the low frequencies?

 

[March Audio]

Sounds to me as if you also know the technical reason for that. Is it a problem with current delivery in the low frequencies?

They are just not as good in many technical areas.

 

[oldsysop]

Class D sucks.
Stick with the reliable A / B

 

[March Audio]

Class D sucks.
Stick with the reliable A / B

Demonstrably untrue.

Either ignorance or a wind up comment.

 

[oldsysop]

Demonstrably untrue.

Either ignorance or a wind up comment.

Sorry.
So I will say that subjectively I prefer class A / B
It's okay ? Can I say it like this?

 

[QMuse]

Sorry.
So I will say that subjectively I prefer class A / B
It's okay ? Can I say it like this?

Sure you can, but such statement has little to no value to anybody else but you. What do you see as an audible problem with D-class amps?

 

[j_j]

Demonstrably untrue.

Either ignorance or a wind up comment.

Totally agreed. At least for Hypex and/or Pascal, there's really no question they are very good.

 

[AnLaoJin]

Demonstrably untrue.

Either ignorance or a wind up comment.

In fact, you have been avoiding the 20Khz phase shift problem of Class D amplifiers

 

[Matias]

In fact, you have been avoiding the 20Khz phase shift problem of Class D amplifiers

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/phase-shift.9602/post-269189