Why Aren't Class D Amps Used In Receivers More Often?

[@mikegoddard7354]

Remember the fact the channel count is going up nearly none stop especially since atmos came in. From 5-7 to 11. It's far too much, but it makes no difference, my marrantz from 2020 gets even hotter between 5 and 7 channels. From day one ive always had fans on it and it stays cool to the touch. I believe it's the same for the new marantz amp10, it's still going to get hot with that many amps in one chassis.
Simple fix, get fans and increase the longevity on your products.

[@robertmoi8400]

I think the reason why there isn't a lot of class D AVR is because of the higher parts count for simple class D amp compared to simple class AB amplifiers. Most AVRs use simple amplification circuits with only two output transistors per channel. Because of the high channel count, every new part required by the design has to be multiplied by the number of channels e.g. 9 thus the cost will increase significantly. At a bare minimum, a class D amp will require two Mosftes, a driver chip, and output filters(Inductor and a capacitor) on top of resistors and capacitors. These parts are quite expensive compared to Class AB parts which can be only two transistors on top of resistors and capacitors. Since AVRs pack a lot of features and amplification channels in one box, they try to save on parts to keep the overall cost low and increase the profit margin.
As for the crunchy sound, yeah, it sucks. I have been playing around with the power supply of my DIY DAC and I might have ruined it beyond repair. I lowered its noise but introduced that crunchy sound, especially on non-oversampled mp3 content. It's like it's stuck on ESS slow digital filters or it's not working well hence there is a bit of a staircase in the soundwave.
I regret selling my Denon ARV. It didn't solve my financial problems. I'll try to buy another mid-tier receiver in two to three years and get rid of all DIY stuff. It's fun when it works but when it doesn't.

[@martinarrieta4536]

I usually go towards the easiest answer and that’s usually $$$. Given the years of using A/B amps, they’ve likely built supply lines to make them cheaper to source than Class D amps. If the difference is even something small like $20 after account for decreased shipping costs to get a Class D amp into it, you bet your butt they won’t do it. Yeah it’s more efficient but what do they care? You’re the one paying the electric bill and they keep that margin.

[@FFenty-of5xv]

Techno daddy has to made a joke out of almost ever subject, Joe hardly ever has the answer to his own questions, and Arin is the voice of reason but yet the video's are entertaining.

[@joentell]

It's a question I don't have the answer to. I think more companies should be using class D in their AVR's. Only they know.

[@dukajoe]

I went external emotiva for LCR and marantz freed up for surrounds, and the heat is much better and I (didn't realize) corrected my chronically underpowered speakers

[@Saturn2888]

I had a Monolith 250X something class D, and it has 2 power supplies for each side of 4 speakers.
Channels would randomly go off completely unless I put large 140mm Noctua fans on top. I returned and had a second with the same issue.
I swapped to the AMP 10 instead and never looked back.

[@martinarrieta4536]

I also disagree with Rev Slim about the fans failing before the AVR. That’s if they use dumpster tier fans. Fans in the PC market, especially Noctua brand, can last in the 10+ year mark and are often run in high power consumption rigs where the CPU (that’s small and like 45mm by 35mm) sucks back 200+ watts. Keep in mind that CPUs and GPUs dump almost 100% of the power they suck back as heat, AVR amps aren’t as inefficient. Class A/B is about 50%. Class D are more so. The PC fans are always on when the PC is on and just ramp up depending on the heat load.
I’m fairly certain PC users use their PCs more than AVR owners use their AVRs unless you’re the lucky guy able to use their setup 6-8+ hrs a day but you’ll also have the PC user who works on their PC a 9-5 then game/watch media on it.
Problem is good fans are expensive. Especially if you don’t want to hear them if they’re on and nothing will ruin the experience more than being deep into a movie and when it gets loud you hear that whirling sound.
Pretty sure that’s the main reason why they won’t stick fans that kick on regularly, people would complain if they heard them and the cost for the fans that wouldn’t be heard are on the pricy side.
Add the fact that you’re now moving air through the AVR/Amp (doesn’t matter if it’s positive or negative pressure) which means dust is now going to be sucked in.
Which means more dusting and/or adding dust filters to AVRs/Amps. Which means units that people who don’t clean the dust every now and then are gonna suffer.
I like the approach of using racks with dust filtered intakes where the rack itself has the cooling so you only have to worry about cleaning and maintaining those. Or stick an Aircom ontop of them.
Pretty sure companies sticking like 2-3 Noctua fans (for very low noise and good cooling) plus redesigning their chassis to take advantage of the fans and maybe slapping on dust filters would cost consumers more than the $80-$120 for an Aircom

[@Audiomainia2310]

Class D amps came about in the early 1960's - so why haven't they caught on in AVR's? They have always traditionally put out higher harmonic distortion, so that's one reason. High sensitivity speakers do not work well with Class D amps.
Get a cooling fan and don't box your receiver in / and remember, there's a reason almost all subs have Class D amps / under 400 hz, distortion is not detectable, and it's cheaper - way cheaper than the few that have Class A/B amps.

[@TheNLHAZE]

Sad But so very True my friend.!!

[@Saturn2888]

My class D Marantz AMP 10 gets super duper hot just from turning it on like it's A/B. I'm bit sure why, but it'll burn my hand after a listening session. I even put it above the processor, so it can vent better.

[@MohsinWadee]

If you had done any research you would have known JBL were about to launch their new class D receivers announced just now. I sometimes can't take you guys seriously.

[@DailyHiFi]

Why would you take us seriously? We're just guys talking like you are. Also, the JBL announcement wasn't out when we discussed this. Are you really as annoyed as you sound? It was a question that was asked. Feel free to drop your knowledge here in the comments. - Joe

[@MohsinWadee]

Quite possibly the most useless discussion on hi-fi I've heard.

[@DailyHiFi]

Wow, that's tough to top. So what's the answer to the question then? You must surely know. - Joe