[zargon (Unverified) Posted Apr 30th 2009 2:39PM]

Just because you don't like a company or consider they products quality doesn't mean they do not put out some quality products. In this case, B&O has designed the core module to a Class D amp and others are using that part to build their amps around. Many amps that would be consider "audiophile" (using this term loosely, because expensive amps do not equal audiophile) are using this module (or something similar) in their amps. Rotel being on of the more well known names, so they must be doing something right.

I do not know why some people consider Class D amps the bastard child. They are as good as your traditional class A/B amp, they just do it differently and more efficiently. A lot of waste goes into the the class A/B amp. I would not write off and amp just because it is a class D, there are some good class D amps out there. Now I will agree that the cost of the ICE class D amps are high, but I believe once they have come into their own, we will see a price drop.

I do not think class D amps are hype at all, they rightfully belong next to their class A/B counter parts. Not that it matters much as similarly specs amps are going to sound the same, people just tend to believe that they hear a difference. You just need to make sure you amp can drive your speakers easily. There is a guy that has tested thousands of people that were unable to identify between two amps in a blind test and he has a huge chunk of change up for anyone who can prove this theory wrong. Which is why I will be buying Emotiva amps instead of spending 4x or more on something from Bryston, Krell or Mark Levenson.

I have also been tossing around picking up some of the Outlaw 2200 class D amps as they can be stacked atop one another. Though, my next move are speakers, where you should spend the majority of your money.