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question about switching, Class D, and Class A

I've been reading about Class D amps (which I believe is the same thing as a switching amp). From my reading it looks like class D amps are clearly inferior to class A. So I've pretty much ruled them out. How do you know if the amp is Class D? I don't find it in the specs for, say, the McIntosh MA6300 which I've heard is a "switching" amp. I heard switching amps are Class D.

The thing is in the past I've owned amps where Class A could be switched on and off. In Class A mode the amp ran much hotter. I mostly didn't use it because I didn't think the improvement in sound was worth all the extra heat.

Now I'm thinking about buying a new int. amp. My top two contenders are McIntosh integrateds and a Krell 400Xi. I understand the Krell is class A all the time and can get quite hot. Is this true? Also I was thinking about a Mchintosh MA6300 which I think might be class D. I needed something with a smaller footprint was why I was considering the MA6300 over the MA6500. I've listened to a lot of different manufacturers and the McIntosh sounded really good to me so I'm leaning that way.

What is y'alls thoughts on this whole class D/switching amp business vs. buying something else that going to generate a lot of heat? Is there something in-between?

regards, David
wireless200

Showing 1 response by ar_t

ar_t
165 posts
 
Ignore the mags, and trust your ears.

Some folks like LPs...some like CDs. Same is true for amps. I moved towards building Class D amps because Class A amps are too hot to use in Texas during the summer months.

Which is around 8 months of the year........

(A true Class A amp burns up 8 times its rated output power....just sitting there.)

Anyway, I'm not going to tell you that switching amps are the greatest thing ever. Nor would I say the same about Class A. We have built and sold lots of both over the years. There are lots of good expamples of switching amps out there for you to audition. The only way you will know is to try one.
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