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Class A or Class D solid-state amplifiers (modern designs)

Hey guys.

 

Class A is supposedly superior. Something to do with a conduction angle of 360 degrees...so the entire signal gets processed in one go without crossover distortion.

But in terms of sound quality (subjective enjoyment) is there a benefit to Class A? Can class D provide the same level of enjoyment?

 

The dealer I’m talking to says that really nice Class A amplifiers are designed for "reference quality" meaning completely true to the real life performance.

 

Let’s compare and contrast. Which one is technically better?

 

In other words, could you have equal technical performance and quality in a Class D amp?

 

- Jack.

jackhifiguy
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 

Truth is individual due to how hearing is constructed within the individual mind and individual body... therefore... to some real extent... it will inevitably remain JAFA.

(Just Another F-ng Amplifier)

bobdavid's avatar
bobdavid
6 posts
 

I currently have a Cherry STM designed by the late Tommy O'Brian of Digital Amp Company. I have the Audiolab 600cdt to Schitt Bifrost 2 to Tekton  Lore Be speakers. This class D Amp with this setup sounds great. 

bishop148
42 posts
 

 I think most AB amps operate in class A mode up to roughly 1/10th of their full power output.  Which is to say 10dB less than peak output. So for most listening you hear only class A, and save money on your power bill.

axo0oxa
98 posts
 

Class A is like a muscle car. There are many that are absolutely beautiful, perform really well and others that are just gas guzzlers.

Class D is like an electric car. The same applies as Class A except the gas guzzler aspect, so that is replaced by the utilitarian electric car that under performs and has no mileage range.

 

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 

That analogy doesn't hold water, if you see what I did there.

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