I've been interested in the Class D full range amps for a while. I've wondered what they sounded like, knowing that there are a couple of issues that hinder their performance somewhat, when it comes to full range.
I recently found a good deal on an older Class D full range, so I decided to pick it up so I could compare for myself. I believe its a least a couple of years old so I'm sure a more recent design would perform differently.
I'm deciding not to mention brands or models here as I think its irrelevant for my comparison and I have no desire to bash anyone's amps. I am a firm believer in personal preferences, and what sounds good to me may not sound good to you. I will give the specs of each and say that they are both quality amps, not some off brand run-of-the-mill stuff.
The class A/B I decided to use is something I have in my personal collection. It's a modest 22.5w x 2 channels. I will say however that this amp is known to be somewhat underrated. The Class D is rated at 70w x 4 channels. I used only 2 of the channels in my comparison, of course. I used the same power supply and set of speakers. My test speakers are a couple of home audio, 8 ohm, 5.25" with 3/4" tweeter.
I listened to the Class A/B first, for about fifteen minutes. I just happened to have a copy of Eric Clapton's Unplugged in my test CD player (an old Kenwood that probably puts out about 1 or 2v) so that's what I used. I skipped around to several different tracks.
I switched over the the Class D about as fast as I could, only a couple of minutes. I listened to the same tracks, also for about 15 minutes. I also need to note that I had gains on both amps set to minimal, and had the internal crossover defeated on the Class D, since the A/B does not have a crossover.
The very first thing that I noticed was the difference in output. With the volume on the CD player set exactly the same, the output on the Class D was much less. The 22.5w A/B seemed to be about 30% louder over the 70w D. I am by no means an expert, but this was surprising to me.
The next thing I noticed was a different sound. The A/B sounded fuller and more warm. The D was somewhat hollow and tinny, for lack of a better word. Please keep in mind that even though the difference to me was obvious, it was also on my test bench, not in a car, and not driving down the road. However, I believe I would notice the difference regardless.
I much preferred the sound of the A/B to that of the D, no question. I'm an old school guy who was big into car audio in the late 80's and 90's. I grew up with some great amps. Do I think that Class D has a future? Sure. There are some very nice features on the amp, especially the built in crossovers. Will I be running one in my next system? No. For me, the quality of sound just isn't there.
I just wanted to post my findings and opinions and see if anyone else has compared the two and what the outcome was. Again, this was a quick side by side test, on a bench, not in a car.
Just my 2 cents.
I recently found a good deal on an older Class D full range, so I decided to pick it up so I could compare for myself. I believe its a least a couple of years old so I'm sure a more recent design would perform differently.
I'm deciding not to mention brands or models here as I think its irrelevant for my comparison and I have no desire to bash anyone's amps. I am a firm believer in personal preferences, and what sounds good to me may not sound good to you. I will give the specs of each and say that they are both quality amps, not some off brand run-of-the-mill stuff.
The class A/B I decided to use is something I have in my personal collection. It's a modest 22.5w x 2 channels. I will say however that this amp is known to be somewhat underrated. The Class D is rated at 70w x 4 channels. I used only 2 of the channels in my comparison, of course. I used the same power supply and set of speakers. My test speakers are a couple of home audio, 8 ohm, 5.25" with 3/4" tweeter.
I listened to the Class A/B first, for about fifteen minutes. I just happened to have a copy of Eric Clapton's Unplugged in my test CD player (an old Kenwood that probably puts out about 1 or 2v) so that's what I used. I skipped around to several different tracks.
I switched over the the Class D about as fast as I could, only a couple of minutes. I listened to the same tracks, also for about 15 minutes. I also need to note that I had gains on both amps set to minimal, and had the internal crossover defeated on the Class D, since the A/B does not have a crossover.
The very first thing that I noticed was the difference in output. With the volume on the CD player set exactly the same, the output on the Class D was much less. The 22.5w A/B seemed to be about 30% louder over the 70w D. I am by no means an expert, but this was surprising to me.
The next thing I noticed was a different sound. The A/B sounded fuller and more warm. The D was somewhat hollow and tinny, for lack of a better word. Please keep in mind that even though the difference to me was obvious, it was also on my test bench, not in a car, and not driving down the road. However, I believe I would notice the difference regardless.
I much preferred the sound of the A/B to that of the D, no question. I'm an old school guy who was big into car audio in the late 80's and 90's. I grew up with some great amps. Do I think that Class D has a future? Sure. There are some very nice features on the amp, especially the built in crossovers. Will I be running one in my next system? No. For me, the quality of sound just isn't there.
I just wanted to post my findings and opinions and see if anyone else has compared the two and what the outcome was. Again, this was a quick side by side test, on a bench, not in a car.
Just my 2 cents.