Class D vs Class A Education


Can anyone some it up in a nut shell if possible what the difference in design and output are of class D vs class A power?

Thank You!
thegoldenear

Showing 4 responses by tholt

I think as much as anything else, it's about synergy with the rest of one's system, just like any other component in the chain.

The OP asked specifically about design differences in the 2 amps, not which one was 'better'. The latter is impossible to answer, but feel free to state which one you feel is best if you feel like boring the rest of us.
I disagree with your synergy statement however. I believe it is very important, IME.
@ Lacee, specifically with respect to 'synergy'. Agree that as you state 'To me, the ultimate synergy is when the whole becomes one.' which is a nice summation of complete synergy, I suppose. If I infer correctly that that statement is referring to the end listening experience, then it would have to include the room as well.

Certain simple, fundamental starting blocks for synergy: ensuring that output/input impedances match spec-wise. That your amp and speakers are well matched (ie amp not underpowered, or perhaps a low-powered amp designed for crossoverless high efficiency speakers). Maybe buying all the same brand of components. Speaking to the manufacturer of the various components in your system and garnering their opinions and others on equipment matching (hence the bajillions of 'what type of X goes best with Y?' posts).

Beyond the obvious, there are simply times when components work better with some than others. Cabling, etc is also true of this. My synergy comment was meant only as a baseline. Beyond that, IMO Class D vs A comes down to a personal thing, and in the right setup can sound fantastic.

I hope nobody out there writes off Class D as a whole based on others' blanket statements without hearing at least a few different class D amps in their own listening room.