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Classes of amps??

#21
OkaBass I did say "highly simplified". Trying to explain any technical subject in a few words is not easy. Add to that audience members some of whom are highly knowledgeable and others who have very little or no electronics background to call upon. You have to try and get the idea across to them in a way that everyone can grasp. I can link to very detailed writings on the subject too but what is the point? If a person reads all ot that information and goes "Huh??????" how has he been helped in his quest for knowledge?

It reminds me of when my young son asked me "why do men shave?" I went through the entire birds and the bees thing and explained the differences between the sexes. He took it all in and then asked his question in a different way: "Why don't they just grow a beard"?

Paul
 
#22
BassmanPaul said:
Fair comment Aged one - I WAS in a tubular state of mind and was not thinking of op amps. Thank you for pointing out the SS connection.

Paul
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You tube guys always confuse things... ;)

From an engineering standpoint, a class AB amp operates in class A up until the point that the output stage stops functioning in 100% conduction of both output halves. At that point it transitions into class B. A true class A amp operates in class A through clipping and a true class B never has 100% conduction by both output halves.

Class C is a discontinuous amplifier mode used primarily for RF transmission, and operates at less than cutoff on both halves for a period of time.

Class D is (essentially) a power-PWM amplifier, consisting of a low voltage (logic level) analog to PWM conversion, a level shift using some variation of H bridge switches, and then reintegrate the signal into a larger analog signal like a power D/A converter.
 
#23
BassmanPaul said:
OkaBass I did say "highly simplified". Trying to explain any technical subject in a few words is not easy. Add to that audience members some of whom are highly knowledgeable and others who have very little or no electronics background to call upon. You have to try and get the idea across to them in a way that everyone can grasp. I can link to very detailed writings on the subject too but what is the point? If a person reads all ot that information and goes "Huh??????" how has he been helped in his quest for knowledge? Paul
Click to expand...

HI
I understand your point. However, I feel that you can't teach wrong details while you're teaching the wholeness. No matter how complicated the matter might be.
I also wholly accept and understand that someone who asks the matter does not need to read and learn the links, but he who answeres, definitely should.
I don't see anything weird or wrong at Mr. Aikens or Lt. Autrys (US army tech. manual) articles. Those are my "Bibles" of that amp class matter. Its free world: belive what you want.
(Sorry, if my text is difficult to read. English isn't my native language)
 
#27
I honestly think it's to the point that power amps are either identical in sound or so close to it it barely matters. The topology and class of the amp really doesn't matter. It should be treated as a black box. With power draw, cooling requirements, and output power all that matters.
 
#28
seamonkey said:
I honestly think it's to the point that power amps are either identical in sound or so close to it it barely matters. The topology and class of the amp really doesn't matter. It should be treated as a black box. With power draw, cooling requirements, and output power all that matters.
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Like a car, right? I put gas in it and it goes. Who cares what all that junk under the hood does? ;^)
 
#29
BassmanPaul said:
Hi Okabass, I think your use of the english language is excellent! It is way better than some of the posts you see on this forum from people whose native language IS english. Keep on posting my friend.

Paul
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HI

Nice to hear. Thank you.

In my oppinion (in tube bass- and guitaramps) the classes aren't important if you just play. The main thing is to listen, and not to belive those "class A is best" BS. Besides most of those amps aren't in class A.
Another important thing is to know, that almost all the legendary amps -7enders, Marshalls, Vox, Hiwatt, Ampeg, you name it- are in class AB (Yes, at low levels too :D ). The Champ is an example of class A amp.
 
#30
okabass said:
HI

Nice to hear. Thank you.

In my oppinion (in tube bass- guitaramps) the classes aren't important if you just play. The main thing is to listen, and not to belive those "class A is best" BS. Besides most of those amps aren't in class A.
Another important thing is to know, that almost all the legendary amps -7enders, Marshalls, Vox, Hiwatt, Ampeg, you name it- are in class AB (Yes, at low levels too :D ). The Champ is an example of class A amp.
Click to expand...

Yep. Anything with just one power tube is of necessity Class A.
 
#31
God, I hate it when people spout off about things they don't understand.

Amplifier classifications were established WAY back in tube days.

Dig back into the archives (like 75 years ago) then come back with some reasonable verbiage instead of coming off like some dippie yuppie dumbass. (Or maybe some marketing snake-oil guru).

Geez
 
#32
downtownblues said:
God, I hate it when people spout off about things they don't understand.

Amplifier classifications were established WAY back in tube days.

Dig back into the archives (like 75 years ago) then come back with some reasonable verbiage instead of coming off like some dippie yuppie dumbass. (Or maybe some marketing snake-oil guru).

Geez
Click to expand...
Well, thank you so much for adding such insight to our interesting conversation. Perhaps you would like add a few more helpful made up words to make your point. BTW there WAS a point I hope????

Paul
 

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