E108: AGD Productions Gran Vivace GaN Amplifier

0:00 Intro
0:18 Today's Topic: The AGD Production Gran Vivace Class-D GaN mono amplifiers
0:50 Switching amplifier description
1:59 Class-D Beginnings and development
18:26 Martini time
18:46 Outro-Subscriptions

Today, I want to introduce you to product that makes a rather interesting and bold departure from typical, the AGD Productions Class-D Gallium Nitride transistor-based Gran Vivace amplifier.

Specifications:
Maximum Output Power (CEA-2006): 400W/4Ω
Dimension: 11" × 11" x 7 1/4" /279 x 279 x 185 mm
Weight : 22 lbs./10 kg
Input Voltage: 110-240V
Retail: $18,500 a pair

AGD Production Web Site:

AGD Production Gran Vivace link:

Ways to support the audio analyst©:

[NicoJeanRas]

As an electronic engineer for the past 45 years, I commend you for your accurate and very simple explanation of operation.

[Revelator]

I own a pair of AGD Audions and it’s a game-changing love affair. I’ve owned many a Class A/Class A/B amps over the decades. All the familiar designers and models. Many I still own and love but my Audions are right there among them and are in my system most all the time.

Usually the changes in my system are the types of line stage I’m in the mood for. Most of the time I prefer tubes in the line stage paired with the AGDs. The synergy is fantastic and leaves nothing to desire.

You never truly know until you give them a try in your own system. You will not regret it…It’s a listening revelation and for me it continues to touch my soul.

Thanks for the Gran Vivace review. When I saw “AGD” a smile came across my face, knowing how special AG’s GaN technology has been implemented across the line. Very nice ❤

[stephanem.]

Thank you Greg for this very interesting episode. Being an audiophile who used to never consider class D as an option, I moved to class D few years ago after a "blind" listening session of the TAD M1000 (I didn't know it was class D). It is said to be "engineered with a Class D output stage combined with a power supply circuit design featuring a high capacity (1kVA-class) toroidal power transformer and specially designed electrolytic capacitors". No hint of harshness, big power (250W 8Ω / 500W 4Ω) a very fast sounding amp with smaller footprint. My point being that whatever the technology used (A / AB / D...) quality of the implementation is the key to achieve audiophile results. Thanks again for your reviews Greg!

[innomax]

Greg, thanks for a recap of Class D history and operation, I think you got Albert's design spot on, the ability to upgrade by simply swapping "output tubes" is genius, and a beautiful aesthetic to boot.

[jamesj]

Greg, I took possession of my Gran Vivace on Tuesday and they unseated my Accuphase, something I bet against. The Accuphase is going up for sale. These are so addicting, beautiful and future proof... I am a happy camper! I wish you had shown the extra mile AGD went to in terms of the hard case, white gloves, and beautiful power cable that come standard. I too have Fidelium cables and need to know the where I can get those lifters?!?!

[hilde]

Thank you for providing a potted history of the beginning of this video. Very helpful and I think you do a great job explaining things.

[russellbrikowski]

Greg I love the looks of the Gran Vivace amps, great review.

[prokofievchambers]

Stunning analysis, sir! Game changing event afoot.

[hilde]

It would be interesting to hear these compared to a really nice tube amplifier on a fairly sensitive speaker.

[kenandbarbie-bc]

I’m impressed with the technology & beauty of this amplifier. However, I do not have the reach for this beautiful piece of high end audio. I can see room for improvement in the recent wave of budget class D amplifiers utilizing conventional Silicon IC chips from manufacturers such as Texas Instruments, Infineon, etc.. possible future fabrication of GaN class D IC chips will help bring high end performance to the affordable range. If there is a will to exploit the audiophile market, it will be done given enough time. We live in a new golden age of amplification.

[peterbaugh]

Could a tube preamp be used with these new class D amps? Do you miss the sound of tubes while listening to these? The tube sound stage? I grew up listening to tubes and turntables. It may be just nostalgia but the tubes make a sound that I cannot seem to get any other way. I don't use turntables anymore. Digital sources into tube preamps. Then class D. Still like my LK-72 all tube amp. Guess I am a tube junkie. Thanks for a very thorough review.

[pragmatist]

Thanks for the detailed review. Would you say you prefer your JC1+ monoblocks overall to these?

[brucering]

thanks greg, i am considering getting the audions to drive a 102 db voxativ but would like to try them first, i will get in contact with AGD and see if they have a trial period thanks for your thorough review.!!!

[AUDIO-UYA]

I currently have a full mola mola set up (Makua, Tambaqui and Kaluga monoblocks) but have the opportunity to purchase pre-owned 5:46 AGD Gran Vivace monoblocks for a very good price. Unfortunately, it would not be possible to audition the AGD mono blocks prior to purchase. Having heard of these amplifiers, would you advise me to take the plunge with Sid advance.

[marcus]

I've had no experience with this tech... But the appearance aligns so well with nostalgia (tube appearance) and yet pushing forward in a new way...drawing on comparison with some very expensive offerings and no account of embasasment given... Seems you really must think very highly of these monoblocks.

[truman]

Great video, but I have to ask…do you work as a voiceover actor or an announcer? You have that classic announcer voice. Bravo.

[ericstefko]

I am curious since your ULTRA 9 have a built in subwoofer, wouldn't the bass be defined by the amp in the speaker more than the amp driving the rest of the system?

[brzsubaru]

Hi Greg, I was hoping you could give me your opinion on 2 amps I'm interested in. I know you heard both ( agd gran vivace and audione watt) . I am pretty sure that you would say the Audionet is better, as audionet is your reference. Could you briefly give me your thoughts on what the watt does that the agd doesn't? I can get a chance to hear the AGD, but would have to order the watt from the us and I'm in Canada. Thanks!

[pennfootball]

I heard them at CAF I think they were rolling off just a bit on the highs. They were decent for the money.

[claudechasle]

Hi. I wonder about the matching of thes
e amps with my Air Tight preamp would be appropriate. Speakers are the not too well known but excellent Jean Maurer Swiss JM 370E Thks