I think one reason might be compact size and lower heat output. I doubt if PMC could have produced the active upgrades for their 25i speakers without using class D amps. Same goes for the power amps Linn use if you configure a Selekt box as an all-in-one. Cost, too, probably comes into it.
Is there really a compromise with sound quality? I’ve not done sufficient extensive listening to form a personal view, but I have enough trust in Naim, Linn, PMC etc to believe they wouldn’t have gone down this route if it seriously compromised SQ.
D class amplifiers have hand down on sub woofer and active speakers especially when we talk about bass. For sure martin logans uses d amplification for the bass of new speakers. Might be worth splitting amplification for bass and medium high, with D class for bass and A-B for medium and high?
They are used in subs and active speakers because they are small and space is limited. Other options wouldn’t be feasible for the majority of these.
I don’t believe any commonly used hifi amplifier class is “hands down” superior at anything.
I’ve active class D subs and a class D stereo power amp. The class was not even the slightest consideration when buying, and I’ve never thought, “wow, listen to that class D.”
I have compared 332/300/250DR and a Eigentakt based amp on the same LS although not on same day. D class owner literally cried when he listened to the Naim set-up. This is not the comparison you ask for. Bass control is ok with the D class amp but bass frequencis are “dry”. Class D comonents state of the art limits them to specific applications. I agree this the technology to watch in terms of future progress because low power consumption and heat will attract increasingly more interest.
thanks, this is very interesting experience. I also think there are limits in the sound reproduction, power does not mean capability to reproduce sounds properly.