# PS Audio and GaN-based Class D **URL:** \ **Category:** Amplifiers\ **Created:** [July 7, 2019, 12:26am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636 "2019-07-07T00:26:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![tensor9](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/tensor9/32/5573_2.png) [@tensor9](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tensor9)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2019, 12:26am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/1 "2019-07-07T00:26:45Z")
Are you guys looking to implement (or design) Class D modules based on Class-D FETs? They have much faster switching frequencies and near zero dead time. They are supposed to be the beezneez in Class D, and could REALLY close the gap between Class A/AB. ---
**Author:** ![badbeef](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/badbeef/32/142_2.png) [@badbeef](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/badbeef)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2019, 3:13pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/2 "2019-07-07T15:13:31Z")
Just asked Darren about it, and he’s followed the technology for a while. The cost killer is the R&D, which is why they are currently only used in expensive/high-end designs. Has Technics ever made a $17k amp?!? ; ) So for PS it would have to be a BHK-level thing at least, but no plans for GaN’s in the near future, AFAICT. However, there is something right around the corner that should be Quite Awesome for Not Crazy Money : ) ---
**Author:** ![tensor9](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/tensor9/32/5573_2.png) [@tensor9](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tensor9)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/3 "2019-07-07T17:56:41Z")
The good thing is that GaN-FETs should be coming down in price, and there are already a few companies with GaN-based modules. 😉 PS Audio should totally order one and play with it. ---
**Author:** ![tensor9](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/tensor9/32/5573_2.png) [@tensor9](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tensor9)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2019, 8:38pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/4 "2019-07-07T20:38:08Z")
Is the Stellar line getting an upgrade?? ---
**Author:** ![badbeef](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/badbeef/32/142_2.png) [@badbeef](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/badbeef)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2019, 4:03am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/5 "2019-07-08T04:03:22Z")
(Koff, koff)…I dunno what you’re talking about, man. ---
**Author:** ![huang](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/huang/32/252561_2.png) [@huang](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/huang)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2019, 4:07pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/6 "2019-07-08T16:07:07Z")
GaN is fast switching, but the linear range is very small. GaN has mushy compression curves. ---
**Author:** ![tdane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f14d63/32.png) [@tdane](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tdane)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2019, 4:46pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/7 "2019-07-17T16:46:28Z")
Interesting! Is “right around the corner” anytime soon? I might buy a new amp soon. It would be nice to know what´s new before making the decision. ---
**Author:** ![badbeef](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/badbeef/32/142_2.png) [@badbeef](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/badbeef)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2019, 6:21pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/8 "2019-07-17T18:21:06Z")
I was being indiscreet, but I would not buy anything at the moment. Can’t say more than that. Other than 🤯 ---
**Author:** ![dawkinsj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@dawkinsj](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/dawkinsj)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2019, 7:14pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/9 "2019-07-17T19:14:22Z")
There are reasonably priced GaN amps coming within the year. ---
**Author:** ![EdwinK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EdwinK](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/EdwinK)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2019, 11:55pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/10 "2019-07-17T23:55:52Z")
😱 i just ordered a pair of M700’s and a GCD. ---
**Author:** ![jamesh](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jamesh/32/3871_2.png) [@jamesh](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jamesh)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2019, 3:09pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/11 "2019-07-18T15:09:59Z")
Awesome! let us know what you think when you get them setup and give’em some hours. 😀 ---
**Author:** ![tensor9](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/tensor9/32/5573_2.png) [@tensor9](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/tensor9)\ **Post date:** [July 25, 2019, 10:39pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/12 "2019-07-25T22:39:58Z")
Ok, I’m getting antsy about this new thing around the corner. Throw us a bone! Give us some info. 🙂 Purifi modules? ---
**Author:** ![PTO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a6a055/32.png) [@PTO](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/PTO)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2019, 9:07pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/13 "2019-08-01T21:07:03Z")
Gotta be the Stellar Integrated Paul mentioned, no? 🤤 ---
**Author:** ![badbeef](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/badbeef/32/142_2.png) [@badbeef](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/badbeef)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2019, 11:13pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/14 "2019-08-01T23:13:56Z")
They have so many irons in the fire now, I no longer have any idea when it will happen. A shame, because its a no-brainer winner, unless they take too long. But things change all the time. ---
**Author:** ![SDL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ab097/32.png) [@SDL](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/SDL)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2022, 2:50pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/15 "2022-03-18T14:50:05Z")
Any updates on this old thread? I’m hoping that @jamesh or other PSA folks can bring us up to date on any efforts to create a GaN-based Class D amp now that the technology has become a bit more mainstream. I’ve been reading interesting comments about the new Class D amp from Atma-Sphere that will be featured at Axpona next month. By report, this is an amp that has a distortion profile that is similar to that of tube amps, but at a lower level of distortion. Any updates on PSA’s interest in using GaN-FETs in any of its products? ---
**Author:** ![jamesh](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/jamesh/32/3871_2.png) [@jamesh](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/jamesh)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2022, 4:54pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/16 "2022-03-18T16:54:56Z")
Mmm, I’ve heard nothing of the sort. Either it’s top secret and I’m not allowed to know, or there’s no motion on it. I’m going to guess the latter though. ---
**Author:** ![SDL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ab097/32.png) [@SDL](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/SDL)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2022, 9:45pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/17 "2022-03-18T21:45:49Z")
@jamesh Thanks for the comments. If you hear anything new you can share, please let us know. I’m really interested in the idea of a solid-state amp with some of the SQ advantages of tubes, but without the disadvantages. ---
**Author:** ![umiami91](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/umiami91/32/160007_2.png) [@umiami91](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/umiami91)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2022, 11:12pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/18 "2022-03-18T23:12:29Z")
Peachtree is selling some GaN amps now. They keep sending me special offers to upgrade. ---
**Author:** ![umiami91](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/umiami91/32/160007_2.png) [@umiami91](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/umiami91)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2022, 12:12am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/19 "2022-03-19T00:12:56Z")
> **[GaN400](https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/collections/amplifiers/products/gan400)** > > "In short, GaN transistors represent a major leap forward for Class-D amplifier sonic performance. Human voices sound like human voices. Guitars and pianos sound like guitars and pianos." Technology advances the state-of-the-art in the GaN400 The... ---
**Author:** ![Photon46](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/photon46/32/142920_2.png) [@Photon46](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Photon46)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2022, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636/20 "2022-03-19T14:56:29Z")
I think it’s best for consumers to keep a level head about these “major leap forward” advances the folks writing press for audio companies promote with every new product. I was really looking forward to hearing the new(ish) GaN Vivace and Audio amps from AGD at the Florida Audio Expo. My listening impressions reinforced how hard it is to convey in written English the nuances of sound reproduction. They didn’t sound like I expected. While they were different from other class D amps I’ve heard, I wouldn’t think they’d be found universally “better.” If you liked their particular sonic flavor I could see someone saying they’re an improvement over previous technology. However, there are other high end class D amps that aren’t GaN technology that perform on an equally high level but just sound different. I thought someone that really liked something like the Aavik Acoustics amp sound signature might well find the AGD amps a little too polite. (That said with the caveat that audio shows aren’t known for having systems fully tweaked.) [Next page](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/ps-audio-and-gan-based-class-d/11636.md?page=2)