Class A or Class D solid-state amplifiers (modern designs)


Hey guys.

 

Class A is supposedly superior. Something to do with a conduction angle of 360 degrees...so the entire signal gets processed in one go without crossover distortion.

But in terms of sound quality (subjective enjoyment) is there a benefit to Class A? Can class D provide the same level of enjoyment?

 

The dealer I’m talking to says that really nice Class A amplifiers are designed for "reference quality" meaning completely true to the real life performance.

 

Let’s compare and contrast. Which one is technically better?

 

In other words, could you have equal technical performance and quality in a Class D amp?

 

- Jack.

jackhifiguy

I currently have a Cherry STM designed by the late Tommy O'Brian of Digital Amp Company. I have the Audiolab 600cdt to Schitt Bifrost 2 to Tekton  Lore Be speakers. This class D Amp with this setup sounds great. 

 I think most AB amps operate in class A mode up to roughly 1/10th of their full power output.  Which is to say 10dB less than peak output. So for most listening you hear only class A, and save money on your power bill.

Class A is like a muscle car. There are many that are absolutely beautiful, perform really well and others that are just gas guzzlers.

Class D is like an electric car. The same applies as Class A except the gas guzzler aspect, so that is replaced by the utilitarian electric car that under performs and has no mileage range.

 

This is a troll question and insult to any audiophile. How can you be an audiophile and not already know which design is superior? Everyone knows Class A is pure euphoria. Stop this noise about Class D. But in the end you make a choice and pay your money. Mine is on Class A and tube amps. That’s all the audio anyone needs. Period. Spare me of your newfangled crap D.