Amp/Preamp Asylum

But GaN is all the rage. No? Not yet?

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AbeCollins

In Reply to: RE: Those who have compared both posted by Jon L on November 25, 2024 at 18:31:55

I'm waiting for more amp makers to use GaN FETs. Do they sound better or is it just another technology? None of the mainstream (Hypex, ICE, Purifi, etc.) are using them, yet.... that I know of. I see a number of eval boards from different suppliers (who sell GaN FETS) but only a few small audiophile companies that are actually using them in their Class D designs.

Follow Ups:

RE: But GaN is all the rage. No? Not yet? - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 15:42:46 11/28/24 (2)
According to Bruno Putzeys, Gan FETs can improve performance a bit but not fundamentally. In the linked article is a link to a piece by ICEPower who have studied the difference and don't think it worth making the switch. In a pocast, Michal Jurewicz of Mytek, claimed that Gan FETs cost 10x the MOSFETs they replace. My take is that companies promoting gan FET class-D amps to audiophiles are using it as a marketing hook or they don't really understand the cost-benefit trade off in using them.
- https://hometheaterhifi.com/30th-anniversary/life-on-the-edg (Open in New Window)
Edits: 11/28/24
- Excellent article. I read it all. Thanks! - AbeCollins 12:57:09 11/29/24 (1)
  It was fun reading about some of the legacy audiophile myths including the effects of negative feedback and then diving into Class D and GaN. Thanks!
  - RE: Excellent article. I read it all. Thanks! - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 17:03:19 11/30/24 (0)
    In YT video Putzeys was asked what has been the biggest step forward in class-D design and he replied 'math' i.e. how to apply more feedback and include the output inductor inside the loop.
I've had GaN, ICE, Hypex - Jon L 22:07:09 11/26/24 (6)
At the end of the day, I'd rather take a super-simple single-ended tube OR TI Equibit PCM-to-PWM conversion. That is unless one requires a TON of wattage..
- Which GaN amp did you have ? - AbeCollins 07:31:07 11/27/24 (5)
  I don't require a 'ton of wattage' but about 100-wpc is a good place to start for my Tannoys even though the manufacturer recommended starts at 30-wpc. Sure they make sound but they come alive dynamically with more power.
  My Thiels need even more power.
  What GaN amp did you have ?
  
  Edits: 11/27/24
  - RE: Which GaN amp did you have ? - cawson@onetel.com 06:07:00 11/28/24 (3)
    I have Atma-Sphere's Class D monos that use GaNFETs. 100 watts and sounding very nice.
    They have "proper" transformers in their power supply that account for about 50% of their weight. Sadly no 12V trigger, but they consume only 7 watts each when on but idle.
    I'm looking for an alternative to a 12V trigger that will do the same job. I bought a device recently but it requires a "master" device (preamp) that needs less than 1 watt in Standby to trigger the "slaves" to go off. Sadly, my NAD M33 uses about 12 watts in standby despite the Spec saying <0.5W. Clever but out-witted by NAD!
    - Energenie Power Block (Open in New Window)
    Edits: 11/28/24
    - RE: Which GaN amp did you have ? - AbeCollins 13:09:58 11/29/24 (2)
      At only 7 watts each at idle you can leave the Atma-sphere monos ON 24/7. If you need a way to power them ON/OFF remotely you can use a remote controlled ac outlet. Not an elegant solution but it works. This one has dual outlets and there are several similar devices on Amazon.
      I wish more audiophile brands would include 12v triggers as standard on all of their gear. This isn't the 1960's! Some brands actually have the nerve to charge you extra for a fricken 12v trigger. This is my current pet peave. It used to be preamp makers who refused to incorporate remote control. Their cop-out response was a bogus claim that it adversely affects audio quality when in fact they were just too cheap or lazy (probably both). How many preamp makers today do not offer remote control? None?
      
      Oops! I just checked your Profile and it says you're in the UK. I'm sure there are similar devices with UK style AC Plug/Outlets.
      
      Remote Controlled Outlet (Open in New Window)
      Edits: 11/29/24 11/29/24 11/29/24
      - RE: Which GaN amp did you have ? - cawson@onetel.com 04:17:50 11/30/24 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Which GaN amp did you have ? posted by AbeCollins on November 29, 2024 at 13:09:58
        
        Yes Abe, lots of remote controlled blocks in the UK market, for example this Energenie 4-way block. Some can be shouted at if you use Alexa!
        
        I could use these, but it's not as convenient as a trigger (and the remote is likely out of signed between the sofa cushions), so I have suggested to the Energenie people that they consider building a trigger-operated block that would allow a single trigger cable from the preamp to power up or down 4 other amps, subs, DACs, etc. That would be a great solution!
        
        These might work but my research defaults to USA style outlets.... - AbeCollins 18:22:08 12/01/24 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Which GaN amp did you have ? posted by cawson@onetel.com on November 30, 2024 at 04:17:50
        
        Intended for Internet-of-Things (IOT) hobbyists this "IOT Relay" has a control input (3.3-48VDC) that powers ON/OFF a couple AC outlets.... but it has US style outlets.
        
        I saw a 12v triggered outlet made by Niles many years ago but it might be out of production. I'm not sure.
        
        IOT Relay (Open in New Window)
        
        Edits: 12/01/24 12/01/24
  - RE: Which GaN amp did you have ? - Jon L 19:55:46 11/27/24 (0)
    LSA Voyager GaN350

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