Power Amplifier Reviews

This would seem to be a good choice for the bottom end of a biamp setup. Staggering power that will never exceed any bass demand of it. Then use a much smaller A/B setup for the top end.

I seem to remember that Carver actually put a small A/B amp on top of their class-d to handle the fine tuning of the frequency. Or at least they implied that in their marketing materials in the early 90's. Was this true?

On also wonders how much break in it needs. If it's a day or 2 of flat out running, they can do that at the factory!

First, you guys at HT.com get a dedicated AC outlet, so you can make meaningful measurements.

And second, as much as I love my country (Canada), Anthem is simply playing games with China; that just won't fly!
No way Jose, not at this 'boosted' price!

Thx to Mr. Fremer for the review.

The one legitimate knock on Class D amplification is that the output filter often causes the amp's frequency response to vary in the treble with impedance.* So loudspeakers that present a higher-impedance load in the treble than the filter is designed for would lead for the treble issues MF found in his review.

Given that MF knows or really should know about issues with output filters and Class D amps, I was surprised not to read anything in his copy about the nature of the output filter. Moreover, I was very surprised to see no measurements of the Statement M1's treble frequency response into different loads. That measurement would indicate which speakers are good and bad matches for this amp. Did you measure the amp's frequency response into various loads? And, if so, what result?

*See, e.g. the measurements in Stereophile's review of the Bel Canto Ref1000M monoblock, which clearly shows an output filter optimized for a 4Ω load: the treble is recessed when driving an 8Ω load, is basically flat when driving a 4Ω load, and is elevated when driving a 2Ω load. (Into the Kantor simulated speaker load, it's a mess.) See also the measurements in Stereophile's review of the NAD M2 integrated, with its switchable output filters that clearly lead to large variances in treble frequency response.

I think HomeTheater ought to write a guide for non-audiophiles that explains all of the jargon in this and other reviews like it. As someone who is primarily experienced with HTIB products, and has bought a few free standing speakers (I know what a woofer and a tweeter are!), I'm curious to know what all of this stuff means.

I liked the conclusion to this review. I have never heard any difference between well designed A/B amplifiers unless they were overloaded. Sorry audiophiles, but that's just me. These are, however, somewhat different. Class "D" obviously provides new challenges for the designers. They may be better or maybe not depending on what you like or are used to. Listen to them if you are in the market for $3500 amplifiers.