Class D vs Class G

knucklehead G · #1 03-26-2010, 01:10 AM

I understand the weight differences, and a bit about how they handle power. But how do they sound? If you put an identical preamp on a class D and class D amp, will they sound alike, even though one is 4lbs and the other is 28lbs?

Specifically I'm looking at the GK MB-Fusion and the Fusion 550, identical preamps on different power amps. I've looked and I can't find a shootout between the two. I know and love the sound of the Fusion 550, but if I can ditch the motorized knobs, shed 24lbs and 2U in a rack while saving $300.. what am I giving up in tone?

T-Bird · #2 03-26-2010, 01:21 AM

Hi.

If the design goals have been the same, the sound is the same.

The clipping characteristics of different semiconductors and different circuits vary quite a bit though.

Unless the class D uses SMPS, the weight saving isn't that severe, so I guess in Your case it's the power supply that makes the difference to the sound, not the class of the amp.

Most class D designs I know of uses some kind of low pass filter in the output (by design), some claim that they can hear it. I can't

.

Regards
Sam

JimmyM · #3 03-26-2010, 02:02 AM

all i can tell you is i'll never buy another large power amp again, unless of course i get a sweet deal on one

pretty much all large traveling sound companies have gone to class d power amps, so i figure if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for bass amps. and by far, my favorite solid state bass heads these days are small ones, both class ab and d.

WingKL · #4 03-26-2010, 03:33 AM

Find yourself a Guitar Center with one of those GK comparison racks that has the amp and cab switchers and do the comparison yourself. I did and came to the conclusion that the RB series amps sound sweeter than the Mb500. GK's class D implementation in the Mb500 sounded too clinical to me. Haven't tried their Fusion amps yet.

knucklehead G · #5 03-26-2010, 03:18 PM

I've been to both GC's within easy driving distance and one had a burnt-out Backline 600 and a 1001RB, the other just had a 700RB and that Goldline POS. GC's around here really only carry Ampeg, Acoustic and Markbass.

I've hit all the small music shops and can't find any other GK dealers, though I did stumble into a little hole-in-the-wall store that for some reason carries the entire line of Mesa and Orange bass amps plus some nice G&Ls.. Spent quite a while in that one, wish I would have had a spare $3,000.

Jeff Scott · #6 03-26-2010, 03:22 PM

Try Sweetwater.

walterw · #7 03-26-2010, 08:22 PM

these days the idea is to get a class D amp that's like twice or 3 times the power of the old iron while still being smaller, lighter, and even cheaper.

at that point there would be no comparison.

KsPiNeSh · #8 03-28-2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knucklehead G

I've been to both GC's within easy driving distance and one had a burnt-out Backline 600 and a 1001RB, the other just had a 700RB and that Goldline POS. GC's around here really only carry Ampeg, Acoustic and Markbass.

I've hit all the small music shops and can't find any other GK dealers, though I did stumble into a little hole-in-the-wall store that for some reason carries the entire line of Mesa and Orange bass amps plus some nice G&Ls.. Spent quite a while in that one, wish I would have had a spare $3,000.

So true... KC is a bit of a hole when it comes to bass gear. What was the name of the hole-in-the-wall shop? Sounds like a place I'd like to hit up

Was it Guitar Source?

Unfortunately, there aren't any other GK dealers around KC. I think Guitar Center ran them all off, if there were any in the first place.

Bassamatic · #9 03-28-2010, 06:35 PM

The thing with any of the switching power amps is that there are just a few licensed proven technologies available to do the switching, although a couple of makers have developed their own. Which one the maker chooses and how it is applied can affect the sound just as the design of an analog amp can.

It is best that you listen carefully and see if any "feel" better to you.

knucklehead G · #10 03-29-2010, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

So true... KC is a bit of a hole when it comes to bass gear. What was the name of the hole-in-the-wall shop? Sounds like a place I'd like to hit up

Was it Guitar Source?

Unfortunately, there aren't any other GK dealers around KC. I think Guitar Center ran them all off, if there were any in the first place.

Yeah, Guitar Source. Very nice selection of some very premium gear, and they usually have some nice used items too. I'm not sure what their "house brand" instruments are, all Fender copies really, but they play nice too.