Class D or A/B for subs ?

[SR]

if you overdrive a class d amp it will tend to distort at a higher level than a class a/b amp and the coils of any sub will get damaged
u can use a class d amp but make sure and math the true power of the amp to the sub

[nigel1977]

here's my 2 cents.
because of the class d's topology, its designed to play a narrow band of frequencies, preferably lower ones. because the amp works with a reduced bandwidth, it can "pump" out more watts. ever notice most class d amps are single channel? more watts per sq inch. of amplifier chassis. than a class a/b.
class d are also more efficient than a/b and even more so than class a, which is the cleanest of the 3.
class a/b, is as it says, a class output topology, and class b powersupply design.
its one of the most popular design. reasonable quality and cost when compared to class a. class a/b are capable of playing the largest bandwidth of the three.
to summ up all this preamble:
class d: deeper, louder sub bass.
class a/b: tight, clean, clear lows, as low as you need..(depends on the brand)

if your're after sq. stay with a/b, unless its a really high high end class d.

[Kaizen Autosound]

Also looking into class T amplifiers. They give you the best of both worlds.
More efficient than a class A/B and alot less distortion than a class D.

They also have very high damping factors.


Just my 2 cents.

[nigel1977]

srcoupe1.. thats 4 cents we've got. we need 21 more to make a bob...

[nigel1977]

pioneer... i can tell you about 2 cladd d amps.
the crossfire cfa 1000d. 1000w at 1 ohm. not bad. ran cool always. never ran into distortion though.
the fosg8 1000bd, which i am using now, is 1000w in 2 ohms. i like it. runs a bit warmer than the cfa. bit more distortion.
.. there's my last cent srcoupe1.....

[JL]

If you really want to run SQ speakers the JL Audio 500/1 class D or the 1000/1 are really good. You see what makes the bass sound tight and sharp is determined by the damping factor of the amp amound other things. The damping factor halves for every time you lower the output impedance.

Class AB amps usually have a much higher damping factor because of the topology used. Class D amps however have a much lower damping which gets worse as you run it into 2 and 1 ohms to get max power out of it. Thats why sometimes the bass sounds kinda sloppy and loose but loud.

JL Audio has developed a topology that gives the highest damping factor higher than any other class D amp on the market. Because you get full power at 4 ohms means you dont have to sacrifice SQ for power.

I have the 500/1 running a pair of IDQ 12 V.2 and they sound sweet. The bass is very clean and tight and every note is clear.

As for class AB the highest damping factors come from US Amps and Zapco thats why they so damn expensive but you get what you pay for....

[Kaizen Autosound]

Yuh can put Arc Audio amp up there as well along with Eclipse.
Very high damping factor and low THDs and S/N.

[nigel1977]

one of my customers is using a linear power amp on sub. i think its the 3.2 hv. its uses the to3 type transistors. a bit pricey, but pure sq bass. check those valpark guys for specs.

[SR]

TO3 transistors.........good stuff