class

[boogieman909 10+ year member]

what are classes? i always read that there is a class d amp, class x amp, class a amp? What do they mean?

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[EPanther99 10+ year member]

class d amps are for subs, they have a limited frequency response and are more eff. for running subs, class x amps use digital power and usually have a lower current draw and class a/b are normal full range amps

 

[boogieman909 10+ year member]

to power a sub, what class of amp should i use? a class d or class x? how about tfor the component set what class should i use?

 

[natem33 10+ year member]

Class D is specifically for subs, same as class X is, although the class D amps are more common and have a wider variety. Class A/B works for subs too, but is not as efficiant. A class A/B amp is needed to run your components.

 

[XplodX 10+ year member]

id go with a class D amp

I have one for my 2 12's and its perfect

 

[Plater 10+ year member]

The different classes of amps refer to how the output stage of the amp is configured. A Class A amp "high-fi" is setup in such away that the transistor conducts all 360 degrees of the time. Therefore not adding any distrotion caused by crossover and such. Tha class A amp can only achevie a maximum effeicency of up to 50%. A class A/B amp uses the same transistors used in a class A but is configured to only conduct 180 degrees of the signal. Therefore there is two transistors that each conduct 180 degrees of the time ie. two class B amps to make a class A type amp roughly 50% efficent. Now if an amp is not quite running in full class a/b then it is running in class C not used for audio because of the harmonic distrotion caused. Cheaper amps may run in the close to B but not quite because of cheaper design etc. The Class D amp is alot like your switching power supply in your computer. The signal value is give a certain pulse width and then its average is the value that the signal was. Then the pulse width modulate signal is then filtered and then supplied to the speaker. The switching frequency determines the bandwidth of the amp. Class D amps are made for full range but are not common. This type of amp can reach 90+% efficency because the pass element is either on or off no in between. The losses occur in the switching time.

Many class D amps are used in small portable walkmans cell phone etc. Because they are small and efficent. So they are used in full range apps.

Sorry about the text book

hope this helps a little

 

[natem33 10+ year member]

Because they are

small and efficent. So they are used in full range apps.

Class D amps cannot be used for full range car audio applications. Class D amps create a horrible noise that is inaudible at lower frquencies. That's why they are awesome sub amps but you will never see a 4 channel class D amp for full range speakers. Most class D amps are mono.

 

[boogieman909 10+ year member]

how will i know what class is my amp?

 

[natem33 10+ year member]

Read the box or manual. There may or may not be any indicating markings on the amp. If you cannot identify an amps class look the model number up on the manufacturer's web site.

 

[Plater 10+ year member]

Some day Class d amps will be very common as the tech. gets better at faster high power switching. Here is a chip from IRF that is a full range class D IC http://www.irf.com/product-info/audio/

The class d amp will some day be in car audio full range applications. The expense vs. need is very small right now but soon they will come. There already is more or less a class d amp in all car audio amps already. Via the power supply.

As of right now class d amps do have some noise problems but with switching frequencies of up to 1MHz your not likly to hear that noise.