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Old May 13th 07, 03:18 PM posted to uk.rec.audio
Serge Auckland
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Default how good are class D amplifiers?

jaap wrote:
honestguvnor schreef:
On May 11, 10:07 pm, max graff wrote:
I know that class A is the best in amplification however attaining
that level at higher wattage is only hypothetical.


This is not a wise statement. I am sure you will find quite a few
readers prepared to bet you cannot hear the difference between a
reasonable class A amplifier and a reasonable class AB driving a
reasonable loudspeaker.

I want to know what and how good is the supposed class D
amplification.


This is a good question (assuming "digital" amplifier of whatever
class and audibly neutral under normal conditions) . I do not know the
answer and given the absence of any reliable consumer audio
publications and the absence of reasonable specifications from the
manufacturers it is not obvious to me where to look for an answer.

Obviously one could perform experiments oneself but that would imply a
pretty awesome loss of basic technical knowledge about the performance
of consumer audio in these broadband www days.

Anyone?


Just an opinion: history shows that despite 'progress' amplification
quality diminishes every decade. Don't believe you can't do without this
new class. A good system dating from 1960 or 1970 or 1980 will beat any
plastic rubbish -whatever class- dating from 2007.


Interesting opinion, but what is it based on? Modern systems are louder,
distort less, have wider bandwidth and less noise than 1960s or 1970s
systems, but haven't improved to any great extent since the '80s.
However, they certainly haven't diminished.



The other day I demonstrated a nice turntable setup to someone who had
listened solely to digital audio. She was surprised by the reality
coming from old gear, despite S/N THD and whatever cyphers modern stuff
tries to sell to the public.


Of course old gear is capable of sounding good, but so is modern gear,
and for relatively much less money, size, power consumption and improved
reliability.

S.
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