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Class D Amp vs just an Amp

Old 02-12-2005, 10:42 AM
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Can anyone explain (in layman english) the difference between a class D amp and an non-class D amp?


any insight would be appreciated.
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Old 02-12-2005, 10:58 AM
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The output transistors operate in switch mode... they are either on or off...
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Old 02-12-2005, 11:16 AM
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In general, Class D is superior for subwoofers because of the increased efficiency (less strain on your electrical system) ... However, most class D amplifiers are unable to operate the full range of frequencies and, thus, are limited to only bass/midbass ...
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Old 02-12-2005, 11:49 AM
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Thanks y'all. That does explain lots for me.

Have you guys heard this before: that whatever the RMS wattage of a speaker(s) that the amp running it should be double that?

in other words a 500 watt rms sub should have a 1000 watt amp?


or would that be overkill?


thanks again.
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Old 02-12-2005, 11:53 AM
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thats what I do, avoids amp clipping. If fried tons of subs because of amp clipping.
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Old 02-12-2005, 12:06 PM
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That's not a 'set rule', but generally you want a bit more 'overhead' in terms of power. Eg.: it's not uncommon to see someones front stage amp with double, triple (or more) the recommended rms wattage being fed to the speakers) with the gain turned low. It's all about balance. I've set up a 300 rms sub (PG) with a 75x2 amp (MTX) (150 rms mono I believe) and it sounded fine. Now, it was in my ex's daily driver car; I wouldn't run that for extended periods of time (amp strain). It's better to have more than less (you can always turn your gain(s) down [this is good for several reasons].
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Old 02-12-2005, 12:35 PM
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Originally posted by SPL donut ...:
thats what I do, avoids amp clipping. If fried tons of subs because of amp clipping.
Dude... you need to take a breath and realize that clipping is rarely the root cause of woofer death...

If your sub has a long term thermal rating then I wouldnt hesistate to give it 2 or even 4x the power... however most speakers/subs are rated for long term program..... IE. 2-8 hours with music...

This shouldnt be exceeded by much in most cases unless you know what the rating is based on... 2x the power with a sub that has a musical rating may produce a blown woofer after 45min of use.....
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Old 02-12-2005, 01:15 PM
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Haunz Haunz your making yourself look silly again. [img]graemlins/bow.gif[/img]
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Old 02-12-2005, 01:17 PM
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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA................................ ..

Oh my............................

hahahah.................

Clipping is my friend

[ February 12, 2005, 02:19 PM: Message edited by: Tim Baillie. ]
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