When does efficiency matter

[cleansoundzz 10+ year member]

Hey, when does efficiency matter when it comes to 4 channel amplifiers? I know everyone these days are loving the 4 channel class D amps when it comes to running mids and highs. But at 4 x 50 watts, 4 x 75 watts or even 4 x 100 watts for class AB amplifiers where the current draw isn't very high, does it benefit at that point to have a 4 channel class D amp? I can see the differences between using 1000 watts of class D over class AB for running subs but for mids and highs?

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[orphe 10+ year member]

Hey, when does efficiency matter when it comes to 4 channel amplifiers? I know everyone these days are loving the 4 channel class D amps when it comes to running mids and highs. But at 4 x 50 watts, 4 x 75 watts or even 4 x 100 watts for class AB amplifiers where the current draw isn't very high, does it benefit at that point to have a 4 channel class D amp? I can see the differences between using 1000 watts of class D over class AB for running subs but for mids and highs?

It matters!

Especially if you are playing at high volumes and for long periods of time. Also its less stress on your electrical.

 

[cleansoundzz 10+ year member]

I understand that much. But let's say you have a 4 x 100 watts at 4 ohms where your max current draw may be 40 amps and when music is playing maybe 25 amps at the most and you have a 240 amp alternator, does it make that much of a difference?

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

I recently chose a Class D 4 channel amp to replace the A/B that I'm using. 2 channels will be bridged for the sub. I picked Class D because it fit into the same space as the old amp and can use the same size power wires even though it's almost twice the power.

It only matters when it matters...

 

[tprj82 10+ year member]

I've never really seen the point or it mattering when it comes to a 4 channel your usually talking less then 40 or 50 amps at peak, a stock alt and battery can usually handle that all day, now if your running 2 or 3 4 channels and a dc9k thats a different story

 

[cleansoundzz 10+ year member]

I've never really seen the point or it mattering when it comes to a 4 channel your usually talking less then 40 or 50 amps at peak, a stock alt and battery can usually handle that all day, now if your running 2 or 3 4 channels and a dc9k thats a different story

My point exactly.

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

The efficiency makes a difference, but for me it came down to size. The Class D was WAY smaller than any remotely affordable Class A/B.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

I hate class D full range. They play to much on the low end and sound like **** on the high end. UNLESS you get a real expensive on ie. ZED or JL HD. Even then its not the same as A/B

 

[cleansoundzz 10+ year member]

I hate class D full range. They play to much on the low end and sound like **** on the high end. UNLESS you get a real expensive on ie. ZED or JL HD. Even then its not the same as A/B

I just figured that out. I find class AB amps for mids and highs to be more balanced.

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

The difference between the current draw of a class d vs. class a/b on mids and highs is going to be minimal. Now if you have like 4 4 channels, of course that's going to make a difference. But just one amp, nah.

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

I hate class D full range. They play to much on the low end and sound like **** on the high end. UNLESS you get a real expensive on ie. ZED or JL HD. Even then its not the same as A/B

Have you tried out the PPI Phantom series? Just put one in the wifey's ride a few weeks ago and noticed no diff from the A/B it replaced. They're getting great reviews on diyma...

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

The difference between the current draw of a class d vs. class a/b on mids and highs is going to be minimal. Now if you have like 4 4 channels, of course that's going to make a difference. But just one amp, nah.

One would assume if you have 4 or more 4ch amps then you have the electrical to power them....

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Have you tried out the PPI Phantom series? Just put one in the wifey's ride a few weeks ago and noticed no diff from the A/B it replaced. They're getting great reviews on diyma...

No but I've played with many HD setups. They sound fine till you put the power down.

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

No but I've played with many HD setups. They sound fine till you put the power down.

Haven't noticed a diff honestly. Class D full range amps have improved a lot....

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Haven't noticed a diff honestly. Class D full range amps have improved a lot....

It's a lot better then the old PDXs that started this.