Please explain the differences between the class A/B amps and the D amps?

[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

I don't think anyone was arguing that there's an audible difference between the two in the subwoofer range...I certainly wasn't

I was just doing a preemptive strike because someone usually chimes in and says that old school class ab is the bestest for everything.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

 

[chillin 10+ year member]

I was just doing a preemptive strike because someone usually chimes in and says that old school class ab is the bestest for everything.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

I like the ones with the big heat sinks so i can grill sandwiches while im driving:yumyum:

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Who said he was pushing the amp to the max in both instances?

Doesn't matter, it's still roughly 1/4 the current through the output stage. Never mind the power supply. Even the amps that make the same power across all impedances, run cooler at the higher impedance.

 

[45js45 10+ year member]

The advantage to class D is that they are more efficient at lower volume when it comes to current draw versus your typical AB amplifier. Generally, a typical class AB amplifier will draw 50 to 75% of its maximum current draw at lower volume levels whereas a class D will draw less. Class D amplifiers also tend to run cooler, but this isn't always the case (*cough, choke* the new Alpine PDX).
As for which one sounds better on subwoofers... Until someone shows me a double blind test with statistical relevance, I am going to say that a quality class D amplifier compared to a quality class AB amplifier will not make a difference on subwoofers.

Why?

1. Because it is reproducing the area of the sound spectrum where the human ear is least sensitive to changes in frequency.

2. Because it is installed in a freaking car! What is the lowest noise floor to overcome? 60 dB in the most quiet of vehicles and 90+ dB in the noisiest of vehicles? Sure, I believe all these individuals who hear a difference between the different quality amplifier class topologies.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/rolleyes.gif.c1fef805e9d1464d377451cd5bc18bfb.gif

Are you saying it would be wise to use the class D for the subs and a class AB for the mids/highs?

 

[Delusnl 10+ year member]

yes thats basically exactly what they are saying.

But MY car is currently opposite haha!