TECHNOLOGY I GALLIUM NITRIDE
Audiophile amplification gains from GaN Exceptional switching characteristics of GaN FETs underpin a new era in high-fidelity amplification BY LEO AYZENSHTAT FROM ORCHARD AUDIO FOR MORE THAN half a century lovers of hi-fidelity have argued over the best technology for making audio amplifiers. Sitting on one side of the divide are the valve aficionados, who claim that tubes are the key to providing an engaging, unfatiguing and rewarding listening experience. In the other camp are the fans of the transistor, who view this as by far the better option – one that delivers a realistic, powerful and faithful delivery of the recorded medium. For those that prefer solid-state technology to valves, a decision now awaits. Do they hold on to their cherished amplifier that sports silicon 28 ISSUE II 2022
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transistors, or do they trade it in for a new breed, built around wide bandgap devices? It is not a difficult decision, because if they do invest in the future, they will reap many rewards. The benefits are not limited to a better sound for the outlay, but extend to practical gains, such as a far smaller footprint and a higher efficiency that trims household bills. Over the last decade or so, there has been an increase in sales of all forms of Class-D audio amplifier, which operate at high switching frequencies. With this mode of operation it is
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