Class AB amp for the CTX65cs on their way?

[supoaneko]

Hello!

I've been lurking around here for some time and through various reads became convinced of two things:

1. That the Polk db6501s I currently have really are as terrible and as harsh as I think.

2. That class AB really can sound different to some when compared to a class D.

Currently, I have a Rockford Fosgate R600-4D feeding the db6501s. I hear that the IDs, despite being recommended for 100w RMS, are even better at 150w RMS. I want the best sound I can get and I figure that means I need a new amp. I also figure, if I'm getting a new amp, I might as well dive back into the class AB world I loved a decade ago.

I'm stuck on what amp to get and how to really pick one. My plan is, once the winter goes away, go active with these comps. They'll both be in the front so I'm thinking I should get a single four channel amp. Or... would two two channel amps make sense? I'm guessing I need something that can handle 150w RMS. If I went higher, could they get hurt?

What all would you recommend? I've seen Sundown, MB Quart, and Arc thrown around but I am a total n00b to these brands. Cadence ZRS C4 seems to be what I am looking for but still researching. I'd like to spend under $600 or, even better, around $400, if possible.

Final question: what "precautions" should I take or what should I be mindful of when using a class AB instead of class D? Class D I liked because I felt like I never had to worry about heat or battery drain or messing with my alternator. I plan to do a big 3 upgrade in the spring and already have 4 gauge wire but will up it to 1 (0/1?) gauge when I do the big 3.

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[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

If classes sounded different Richard Clark would be $10,000 out of pocket. So far, over 10 years later. He is not.

 

[supoaneko]

Alright. I hear ya.

Why are class A/B amps still being produced and purchased then?

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Alright. I hear ya.
Why are class A/B amps still being produced and purchased then?

Still people that think they are better

Even ZED will say his new amps are better than anything he made in the past. And he was one of the best

 

[supoaneko]

Alright. Fair enough.

Let's say I went the Class D or other route, what would you recommend?

...and who's ZED?

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Steve Mantz.

Depends on how much you want to spend and how much space you have. And if you need active crossovers.

Rule of thumb is don't go cheap and big names are a rip off. There are always exceptions.

 

[supoaneko]

Well, I don't want to go either cheap or big name. I've learned that lesson now and have the wisdom to not repeat it again.

I have a Helix DSP that's on its way so, I'm guessing, no need for separate crossovers. I could just set it up in the DSP and then line out to the amp that would power the crossovers.

What I wonder then: would I want a four channel amp for the four channels on the comps or two separate amps? I hear the IDs work well with 150w RMS but finding a four channel that does 150w RMS, well, on my first glance they didn't seem rare (but this was looking in the A/B realm).

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Well, I don't want to go either cheap or big name. I've learned that lesson now and have the wisdom to not repeat it again.
I have a Helix DSP that's on its way so, I'm guessing, no need for separate crossovers. I could just set it up in the DSP and then line out to the amp that would power the crossovers.

What I wonder then: would I want a four channel amp for the four channels on the comps or two separate amps? I hear the IDs work well with 150w RMS but finding a four channel that does 150w RMS, well, on my first glance they didn't seem rare (but this was looking in the A/B realm).

Mine is 160x4 but its discountinued.

If I was getting a new one it would be the Hertz HDP4.

Look into running active.

 

[supoaneko]

Active is definitely on the list. Once spring is here, I'll run the wires, etc. for it.

Thank you @LosIsATool.

 

[dsw1204]

I know you said Arc Audio was thrown at you, but I think you should check them out. Their XDi V2 series of amps. The XDi 600.4 might be a good fit for you. It may be pushing your budget, but it does fit within your constraints. It lists for $530 if you get it from an authorized dealer. If you get it elsewhere, you can probably get it cheaper.

I was a little concerned about Class D amps, until I read an article about the Arc Audio XDi 600.4 Here is that link:

http://content.arcaudio.com/pdfs/reviews/product-reviews/ArcAudioXDi600.4.pdf

I think it may be helpful.

 

[shizzzon 10+ year member]

The main difference in Class AB vs Class D is when going into distortion.

Class AB is much more forgiving than class d is.

I do not knwo the word i'm looking for unless it's headroom, lol, but if you do drive an amplifier into distortion, a class d amplifier will definitely let you know it because it seems to have less headroom than Class AB amplifiers do when drove into distortion.

It sounds bad but many users drive amplifiers into distortion accidentally or intentionally. Accidentally is more common, of course, i would opt for a Class D amplifier if the amplifier were powerful enough that the user would never imagine seeing the clip light come on(assuming it's pretty accurate). Otherwise, class AB all the way!

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

The main difference in Class AB vs Class D is when going into distortion.
Class AB is much more forgiving than class d is.

I do not knwo the word i'm looking for unless it's headroom, lol, but if you do drive an amplifier into distortion, a class d amplifier will definitely let you know it because it seems to have less headroom than Class AB amplifiers do when drove into distortion.

It sounds bad but many users drive amplifiers into distortion accidentally or intentionally. Accidentally is more common, of course, i would opt for a Class D amplifier if the amplifier were powerful enough that the user would never imagine seeing the clip light come on(assuming it's pretty accurate). Otherwise, class AB all the way!

Only true with the older class Ds like the PDX or cheap class D.

I think the word you are looking for is soft clip.

 

[supoaneko]

Thank you, both.

So, I've decided to modify my budget to about $1000. Right now a ZED Leviathan-III is in the plans for the spring. I'll save some cash to get there.

Sounds like, like all things, Class D just needed some time to evolve and the evolution is now here. Exciting, really.

 

[shizzzon 10+ year member]

I do not know how good the GOOD class d amps are in the context i was referring to. I have some coming but my ears are prejudice towards SPL over SQ so count me out on testing that audibly.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

This is my own experience

Prior amp was a JL 450/4v2. Highly regarded in the SQ community.

My current amp, the DD SS4A which is a brand frowned on by "purist"

1. It's a SPL based brand but in reality they have always put SQ first

2. It's class D

Guess what? It's every bit as good. More than half the size, runs way cooler, way more efficient. But the cost was about the same.