Class A, Class B amps, etc.?

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Norm Apter
Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
edited May 2008 in Electronics
When people talk about Class A, Class B, Class D amps/preamps etc, etc, what are they talking about? Is this a specific designation or a general (subjective) category (like B movies, for instance)?
2 Ch.
Parasound Halo A23 Amp
Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

HT
Denon 2808ci AVR
polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
Post edited by Norm Apter on
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited May 2008
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    Here is a link Norm that should explain everything and then some.

    Amplifiers
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited May 2008
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    Oooo... full reproduction of the sine way... Oooo

    Any question beyond that link Norm?
    Jake
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  • Norm Apter
    Norm Apter Posts: 1,036
    edited May 2008
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    Thanks for the link, Michael. Yes, there is a ton of information there. I've read through it, though there are a quite a few technical terms sprinkled within with which I am not familiar. I'll keep it bookmarked for reference and "slow digestion."

    I am wondering, for you guys and gals who are serious about amps, whether is there is a pecking order of these classes in your mind when you go looking to purchase an amp? Are there certain characteristics that you tend to associate with one or more of these classes?
    2 Ch.
    Parasound Halo A23 Amp
    Parasound Halo P3 Preamp
    Parasound Halo T3 Tuner
    Bada HD22SE tube CD Player
    Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 antenna
    polkaudio Lsi9s (upgraded cross-overs)
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Bi-wire Interface Speaker Cables
    MIT Shotgun S-3 Interconnects (3)
    IegO L70530 Power cords (3)

    HT
    Denon 2808ci AVR
    polkaudio RTi A5s (fronts)
    polkaudio RTi A1s (rears)
    polkaudio Csi A6 (center)
    Signal Cable Ultra Speaker Cables
    Signal Cable Analog II Interconnects
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  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited May 2008
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    Norm Apter wrote: »
    I am wondering, for you guys and gals who are serious about amps, whether is there is a pecking order of these classes in your mind when you go looking to purchase an amp? Are there certain characteristics that you tend to associate with one or more of these classes?

    IMO there isn't really a pecking order in amp classes, yet I am sure many will try to refute that point. My opinion comes from experience with many amps, including class D, A/AB, A, T, G. Some sound better then others, but is hard to tell if it is the amp or the class. That said I always say to pick your speakers first then pick a amp to match.

    As for characteristics, from my experience:

    Class A, runs warm/hot, very liquid mids w/ good bass, non fatiguing
    Class D, great bass, runs cold, good mids, detailed highs
    Class T, sounds like class A but less dynamic and runs cool like class D.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 35,492
    edited May 2008
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    http://sound.westhost.com/class-a.htm
    http://sound.westhost.com/amp-sound.htm
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited May 2008
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    Class A is the favorite of some, but I don't know if that is because of the sound or the reputation. I like my A tube amp, but it does get really warm also running 10 tubes.
    Jake
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  • lakesailor
    lakesailor Posts: 319
    edited May 2008
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    I agree that it is mostly about personal preference. For many a good pure Class A SET tube amp is to die for. Mind you Class D's are definately the up and coming and some of the better manufacturers are puttting out some nice sounding products in Class D.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited May 2008
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    I like the A/B amps with a fat toroidal PS, and large caps. They last for a real long time, and don't have an over abundance of parts like some of the other types out there. Class A would be nice, but they are very inefficient, and as stated above create lots of heat.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • ShinAce
    ShinAce Posts: 1,194
    edited May 2008
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    ben62670 wrote: »
    I like the A/B amps with a fat toroidal PS, and large caps. They last for a real long time, and don't have an over abundance of parts like some of the other types out there. Class A would be nice, but they are very inefficient, and as stated above create lots of heat.

    Agreed, biasing is key. AB performs very well overall.
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