bigbrother54 10+ year member
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- Thread Starter
- #16
Class A or, (and to some extent), A/B amps are simpler designs which only require 2 devices, (push-pull outputs), in order to recreate both halves of the original waveform. Easiest way to explain it is the least amount of devices needed to go from input to output, the cleaner the sound. However, power-wise they are extremely inefficient, need about .5 hour warm up time from a dead start to reach full performance due to charging their huge toroidal power supplies… but they are by far the only way to fly when you’re seeking out the best.
Class D amps use a ton of internal switching devices, (which in turn degrades the original wave form) in order to achieve a very high power efficiency rating and a lower THD, (Total Harmonic Distortion), by using excessive amounts of negative feedback loop which is nothing more than recycled power which makes the amp more likely to clip.
The most popular line of crap we’ve been handed by mfg’s is the implementation of Class G amps, which can produce a ton of power, are very small, and only weigh a couple of ounces. Basically, it’s about as close to plugging your speakers directly into the AC wall outlet to achieve written power ratings.
BOTTOM LINE: Class A or A/B is as pure as it gets even though they will have a higher THD spec. Truly used for high end systems. Class D or G are amps are best suited to be used in dance clubs or PA systems whereas they’re loud as hell, and audible distortion is not really a factor in these applications.
Class D amps use a ton of internal switching devices, (which in turn degrades the original wave form) in order to achieve a very high power efficiency rating and a lower THD, (Total Harmonic Distortion), by using excessive amounts of negative feedback loop which is nothing more than recycled power which makes the amp more likely to clip.
The most popular line of crap we’ve been handed by mfg’s is the implementation of Class G amps, which can produce a ton of power, are very small, and only weigh a couple of ounces. Basically, it’s about as close to plugging your speakers directly into the AC wall outlet to achieve written power ratings.
BOTTOM LINE: Class A or A/B is as pure as it gets even though they will have a higher THD spec. Truly used for high end systems. Class D or G are amps are best suited to be used in dance clubs or PA systems whereas they’re loud as hell, and audible distortion is not really a factor in these applications.