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10-20-2011, 06:25 AM
| | | | Class D & Class A/B
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What is the difference in a Class D amp vs a Class A/B amp? |
10-20-2011, 06:52 AM
| | | Here ya go- Electronic amplifier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The simple version- Class D is extremely efficient and that allows smaller, lighter weight designs for high power output amplifiers. Low distortion in Class AB is easy to achieve, it's relatively efficient and has been the most common design fro decades because of the reliability.
Last edited by 1958Bassman : 10-20-2011 at 07:01 AM.
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10-20-2011, 01:52 PM
| | | | Is class D amps considered to be better than class A/B. Maybe not better but preferred over A/B. |
10-20-2011, 02:17 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Nude Zealand | | Quote:
Originally Posted by 1958Bassman  Here ya go- Electronic amplifier - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The simple version- Class D is extremely efficient and that allows smaller, lighter weight designs for high power output amplifiers. Low distortion in Class AB is easy to achieve, it's relatively efficient and has been the most common design fro decades because of the reliability. | Quote:
Originally Posted by craigc Is class D amps considered to be better than class A/B. Maybe not better but preferred over A/B. | Already answered.
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10-20-2011, 02:47 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Ottawa and its Environs. | | | So the micro stuff is SMPS (class D) and something like a GK 2001RB is A/B???
Am I correct on this?
Are Crown Power amps typically A/B?
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10-20-2011, 05:36 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Western PA | | | I think the G-K 2001RB is class H, like the 1001RB.
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10-20-2011, 06:20 PM
|  | I Know Nothing | | Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia River Gorge, WA. | | Quote:
Originally Posted by newbold So the micro stuff is SMPS (class D) | SMPS has nothing to do with power amp classes of operation. |
10-20-2011, 07:21 PM
|  | Supporting Member | | Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lake Havasu City, Az USA | | SMPS is Switching Mode Power Supply. Class D is the power amp's topology (that is fed from a conventional power supply or a SMPS). Two separate circuits! 
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10-20-2011, 07:29 PM
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10-20-2011, 07:34 PM
| | | | What are you looking for?
You can basically ignore the amp class and go for features you're looking for.
If it price is too good to believe - believe it's not good. Manufacturers who stand behind their gear are going to have a long and possibly transferable warranty.
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10-20-2011, 07:35 PM
|  | Livin' it up at the Hotel California | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sacramento California | | | Other than the obvious size and weight differences, what would be reasons for selecting a Class D amp versus a Class A/B amp, or vice versa?
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10-20-2011, 07:47 PM
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Endorsing: Ampeg | | Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Apopka, FL | | Quote:
Originally Posted by SactoBass Other than the obvious size and weight differences, what would be reasons for selecting a Class D amp versus a Class A/B amp, or vice versa? | Nothing. And the size/weight difference isn't because of the class of amps. For example, the Micro VR is class AB while the PF350 and PF500 are class D, yet they're both micros.
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10-20-2011, 07:56 PM
| | Livin' it up at the Hotel California | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sacramento California | | Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyM Nothing. And the size/weight difference isn't because of the class of amps. For example, the Micro VR is class AB while the PF350 and PF500 are class D, yet they're both micros. | Okay, it's "dumb question" time (I tend to ask alot of those):
Why would anyone choose a heavier (and usually larger) Class A/B amp instead of a more portable Class D amp?
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10-20-2011, 07:58 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Seweracuse, NY | | Quote:
Originally Posted by SactoBass Okay, it's "dumb question" time (I tend to ask alot of those):
Why would anyone choose a heavier (and usually larger) Class A/B amp instead of a more portable Class D amp? | Not always...the LMII and LMIII are class A/B amps.
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10-20-2011, 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by SactoBass
Okay, it's "dumb question" time (I tend to ask alot of those):
Why would anyone choose a heavier (and usually larger) Class A/B amp instead of a more portable Class D amp?
| Why choose? I have both!!!
Which ever is tickling my fancy I'll tote along! |
10-20-2011, 08:08 PM
| | Registered User
Endorsing: Ampeg | | Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Apopka, FL | | Quote:
Originally Posted by SactoBass Okay, it's "dumb question" time (I tend to ask alot of those):
Why would anyone choose a heavier (and usually larger) Class A/B amp instead of a more portable Class D amp? | Not a dumb question at all...it's the power transformer. There are many who feel that the heavier iron transformers have a tighter and quicker response than amps made with the switch mode power supplies found in micros. Generally, these types don't like tube amps, either, for the same reason. But that is exactly what attracts me to micro designs over the iron transformer designs. I'm a tube amp guy from way back, and micros, while not able to duplicate that bigness of sound from tube amps, do capture a very similar response to tube amps...non-fans might call it "sag," but I call it "heaven," and I will never buy another iron transformer SS amp again.
But all three formats are here to stay for that reason.
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10-20-2011, 08:11 PM
| | Supporting Member | | Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Lake Havasu City, Az USA | | Quote:
Originally Posted by SactoBass Okay, it's "dumb question" time (I tend to ask alot of those):
Why would anyone choose a heavier (and usually larger) Class A/B amp instead of a more portable Class D amp? | Some believe in VooDoo....er oops....I mean Mojo. 
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10-20-2011, 08:30 PM
| | Livin' it up at the Hotel California | | Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sacramento California | | Quote:
Originally Posted by B-string Some believe in VooDoo....er oops....I mean Mojo. | LOL! Good one, B-string!
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10-20-2011, 09:15 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Nude Zealand | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Passinwind SMPS has nothing to do with power amp classes of operation. | While this is true in this context, is a class D amplifier not a type of switch-mode circuit, which may in turn be powered by another SMPS, or any other kind of power supply (as could the other classes of amplifier)?
No argument, jus' larnin'...
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10-20-2011, 09:28 PM
| | I Know Nothing | | Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Columbia River Gorge, WA. | | Quote:
Originally Posted by GrowlerBox While this is true in this context, is a class D amplifier not a type of switch-mode circuit, which may in turn be powered by another SMPS, or any other kind of power supply (as could the other classes of amplifier)?
| Yep, that was my point really, but SMPS = switched mode power supply, not switched-mode power amp.  | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | | 
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