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Class D Technology

So I get the obvious strengths of Class D. Efficiency, power output & running cool which allows for small form factors. I also understand the weaknesses somewhat. 1. Non-linear & lots of distortion that needs to be cleaned up with an output filter. 
So my question is, if it weren't for efficiency & power, would there be any reason to own a Class D amp? Do they beat Class A in any other categories that count for sound quality?  
seanheis1
scm
314 posts
 
I`m using a Herron tubed phono stage going into a Tortuga Audio LDR preamp coupled with a Class D Audio SDS 470 and it sounds pretty darn nice to me !
 
I am toying with the idea of adding a Rogue amp to the mix for a horizontal bi-amp deal, but I`m in no real hurry and I`ll take my sweet time till the right one comes along (used) because this just sounds so good as it is !


randy-11
1,913 posts
 
http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1274731
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,374 posts
 
Wow glad we're 11 years later now.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,432 posts
 
Sorry, Randy-11 but this article is garbage.

The critical fact to bear in mind is that all Class D amplifiers have outputs that are comprised of discrete power increments, a notion that can more easily be thought of as resolution steps.

Class D amplifiers have no "steps" at all. They are analog with unlimited resolution. Author cannot comprehend that in class D amps quantity of interest - voltage is replaced, in linear modulator, by duty cycle .

Amplifier jitter rejection can also be critical

There is no such thing. Analog amplifiers with voltage input have no jitter rejection. Author appears to be uneducated thus unfit to write on the subject.

seanheis1 OP
629 posts
 
Mapman +1.  People are tossing terms like "nonlinear" or "lots of distortion" without even understanding the principle of operation.  I can understand when people don't like sound of particular class D amp with their speakers, but tossing pseudo-technical terms is plain silly while starting thread using such terms is ill minded.
kijanki, here is my reference for Class D not being a linear technology and having a lot of distortion that needs to be removed with an output filter. http://www.infineon.com/dgdl/an-1071.pdf?fileId=5546d462533600a40153559538eb0ff1
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