Amp advice and/or suggestions

[GTO Dave 10+ year member]

I've got a ext. cab Silverado. I've got an Alpine PDX 600.1 for my sub and now want an amp(s) for the rest of the system.

Is there a big difference with a D class amp and an AB class? I wanted an Alpine PDX 150.4 for space savings, but woofersetc suggested a small 2 channel for my rear fill and an Audison 2 channel for the fronts. They said the Alpine is a D class and isn't as clear for the front stage.

I'm concerned about available space for 3 amps, but if it'll be worth it, I'll figure something out. Any suggestions for placement.

I'd like at least 150wRMS@4ohm for the fronts and around 50wRMS@4ohms for the rears. Thanks for any help.

Dave

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[Kold_Killa 10+ year member]

get the 150.4

 

[mattldm 10+ year member]

Doesnt the JL 450/4 do 100 to the fronts and 25 to the rears or something like that?

 

[GTO Dave 10+ year member]

So you wouldn't hear a difference with the PDX or an AB class amp?

What is an AB class amp mean anyway? Why are they better for mids and highs?

Dave

 

[Hoodlum007 10+ year member]

I only use Class D for my subs, i have used class D for comps and can notice the lack in sound quality myself compared to a class A/B.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

I don't know this for a fact, but I'd be willing to bet plenty of pdx's have been successful in SQ comps as full range amps.

I really don't think people are hearing a difference in circuit topology, although they may expect to hear them, which can go a long way.

A/b vs D

Originally, there were no full range class D's. They were only useful as subwoofer amps. They are "switching" amps, and w/o sufficient filtering the switching noise can be audible at frequencies above a few hundred hz.

After a couple years several companies started producing full range class D's that use several layers of filtering to remove the switching noise. Blaupunkt was one of the first, Lanzar had a line out about the same time, Eclipse has them, Alpine, JL's getting on the bandwagon -- I'm sure there are plenty of others.

If there were obvious audible problems I don't think they'd be sticking.

A/b's don't switch - their outputs are always conducting, therefore no high(er) frequency issues, but not nearly as efficient as class D's.

 

[GTO Dave 10+ year member]

Thanks for the good explanation.

Next question is what do you mean when you talk about an amps efficiency? Heat build up? Contnual power output or power consumption? I'm just confused on if an AB class amp "sounds better", what's less efficient?

Dave