Couple of amplifier questions

Schwingding

I'm stymied by several things in the amplifier arena and would appreciate some clarification. As a relative newbie I'm not ashamed to admit I don't know nor afraid to ask. Your help as always is appreciated.

First, I can't seem to get a good description of what the different classes of amplifier are about. What makes an A? B? G? etc..

2nd, seems that most standard amps are all about power. Everyone wants lots of wattage. But then it seems that most of what are considered the "best" amps - tube amps (far as I know), all seem to have comparatively low wattage.

This conflicts with the info in my head that anything above a standard dialogue level needs watts (slight increase in volume = double the power requirements), yet most of the tube type amps seem to have far less watts available than less costly amps. ????

Thanks for helping with my education. (No, I am not considering tube amps, just curious to know)

bert26

Hi - try this site for a brief run down on amp classes. I am not certain that it is completely accurate as I am new to these things myself. At least it is a leaping off point.

As far as the wattage thing goes, I believe it has something to do with current. You need more watts with lower current and visa versa - again don't quote me.

I am looking forward to learning from this thread as well.

There are several threads in here as well that review what you are looking for - try using the search function.

Good luck!
Chris

Schwingding

Hey thanks. That link was a really good read. I need to start referring to the Wiki more often. I always forget about its existence.

univera

One thing I've learned from this site (among many) is that most of the time, even at high volumes, your amp isn't really isn't using much wattage. Higher watts give you the ability to handle dynamic/explosive/large DB rises more efficiently and fluidly and allow you to play music louder and cleaner before distorting. These dynamic passages will be faster and have more life. The less your speakers have to "strain" to reproduce the sound, the more transparent and natural it becomes. Hope I am accurate.

mhardy6647

If one runs inefficient speakers, one needs lotsa "RMS" (continuous) watts in one's pocket. But there is another way, Grasshopper...

www.bottlehead.com
www.welbornelabs.com




(note: there are many other fine low power amps & high sensitivity speakers... get out there and explore them!)