Interesting budget class D amp from BK...

[aquapiranha]

I saw this elsewhere, cannot remember where but it does look on paper at least like a decent enough amp for the money. The big question of course is has anyone heard it? and if so, is it any good?

http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/ClassD/ClassD.htm


http://www.bkelec.com/HiFi/Pear%20Drop/Images/PDB_Front.jpg

:)

[aquapiranha]

No passing interest? :scratch:

[John]

only heard the sub plates

[synsei]

Someone mentioned this amp on Wam a couple of days ago, apparently it sounds pretty good. I was interested enough to bookmark the page because I like the fact that it can be bridged. I may take the plunge after Christmas but I'd prefer to hear one in my system before I do ;)

[Reid Malenfant]

Out of interest Dave, did you ever get that second Mini-T? I feel sure I saw you mention you might :scratch:

[synsei]

No Mark, I decided against it in the end. I'm happy with what I have now but I'm looking towards the future too and the Pear Drop is just one of the options I am considering. I may even take the plunge and build my own monoblocks :)

[jandl100]

No passing interest? :scratch:

Passing interest? Yup, I've seen the BK class D amp on the web, and thought it looked interesting. But have not heard it or seen any reports.

[hoopsontoast]

I was recommended them off the wam for my Magnepans, not read any mentions of it anywhere other than the BK site so gave it a miss.

[Reid Malenfant]

Well this is the first ever amplifier I have ever come across that uses phase shift modulation, not pulse width modulation - there is a fundamental difference :cool:

I was going to have a crack at this myself using a chip that would drive a full bridge, though in this instance the chip is designed to be used in a resonant circuit, which would improve things quite a bit over a non resonant topology (every other class D or T amp out there that I know of in other words).

With switching taking place with zero voltage across the power mosfets, there would be vastly less noise generated & a consequent increase in sound quality.


This could well be similar, I can't see why zero voltage switching couldn't be used on an amp with a single ended output like this one ;)

[synsei]

So technically it's on the money, just need to hear one now... ;)

[Reid Malenfant]

Well yes, even if it isn't resonant, the fact that the mosfets on the output are driven by a true square wave of equal duration makes them easy to drive unlike PWM where the pulse width is altered.

To get the output they simply shift the phase of the two square waves which drive the mosfets on the positive & negative voltage rails.

With 0 - 180 degrees phase shift you can generate any voltage, just like PWM but easier.

If it's resonant - big bonus :D

[synsei]

The power output is impressive, especially when bridged. I really need to audition one of these methinks, maybe even two :cool:

[Reid Malenfant]

What you need is an Extron :D

Four channels of 200W RMS @ 4 ohms.

As well as a patented circuit that prevents filter ripple reaching the loudspeaker, with a consequent increase in audio quality & virtually eliminating possible interference of other devices ;)

Fully balanced inputs as well, power factor corrected mains PSU...

Keep your eyes open on fleabay, it's where I found mine :eyebrows: