A/B and D class Amps What's the Difference


Hi there
I'm having a tough time wrapping my head around the differences between A/B and D class amps. Is one better sonically? Cost seems to be the same. Is one better with some or all types of equipment?
I understand a A class amp. A/B vs D I seem to be lost.
Can someone help me
Thanks
128x128marty
Audiogon should proved an educational section for questions asked weekly, such as this one. Oh wait, that's what wikipedia does.
Ghostrider

Your system is on the agenda for the upcoming Global Warming summit in Copenhagen.

Thanks for the explanation. I asked my question tongue in cheek.
This is a tough topic to summarize, but I'll try. Check other sources for more detail - I've glossed over a lot of fine points here.

Let's look at how each species of amp handles a sine wave:

Class A, AB, and B are linear modes; i.e., the output is (more or less) proportional to the input signal. In Class A the amp stage conducts throughout both the positive and negative parts of the signal (360 degrees). Class A amp staged draw full rated current even at idle. Most of that comes back as heat. They are quite inefficient. All single ended amps are by definition Class A.

A Class B amp conducts only half of the cycle (180 degrees). The amp stage is off for the other half of the cycle. For audio use we need two class B stages, one for each half of the cycle. The two stages are driven out of phase. This is called push-pull operation. Class B is much more efficient than Class A.

The abrupt switching between the two stages of the push-pull amp result in distortion (crossover distortion). By letting each stage conduct a bit more than 180 degrees of the cycle we provide overlap and reduce the effect of crossover distortion. This is Class AB operation. Class AB is a bit less efficient than Class B but much more than Class A. Most hifi power amps are Class AB. BTW if I increase the overlap to the point where both stages conduct through 360 degrees of the signal then I have a Class A push-pull amplifier.

In Class C operation the amp stage conducts for less than 180 degrees of the cycle. For audio use this results in severe distortion as part of the waveform is clipped. Class C is normally used in RF transmitter output stages. These contain a tuned RF tank circuit that supplies the missing part of the waveform. Class C is non linear and not used in audio applications.

Class D is a non linear mode based on pulse width or pulse density modulation. The audio signal is converted into a pulse stream whose width or density is proportional to the signal. This pulse stream then controls output devices which are either fully conducting or off, depending on whether they are receiving a pulse. Some kind of low pass filter is needed to smooth the output and remove high order switching harmonics. Class D is very efficient.

So which sounds better? There are excellent examples of Class A, AB and D amps out there. Let me know when you figure it out!

Personally I run single ended Class A (Pass Aleph 1.2) monoblocks. The sound glorious, but draw about 600 watts from the power line at all times. They are space heaters.
it is, at least now it is, someone call Webster's and let them know about it.

We have a date of origin now for the etomology of a new word.

This is a great website!!!
Class C is powered by the mind. They only have those systems in institutionalizations. Is that a word btw??
Class A is in a bias mode of ALWAYS on...therefore, it is constantly at its MAX potential. The cleanest signal, the highest energy usage. The most heat generated. Class A/B fluctuates between Class A (at lower voltages) and switches into Class B at higher ones. Class B is consciderably more efficient. Class D, is a completely different topology altogether that is able to output many watts with little effort. Hardly any heat is generated, thus allowing for more compact endclosures. Of course...this explanation is extremely simplified...google and you WILL learn.
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