I hope my neub questions aren't getting tedious, but can anyone tell me if AB Vs. Class D amps have definitive sound characteristics, or does it depend on the design and/ or other variables. It seems to me AB gets the nod for SQ focused systems and D is preferable for SPL. Is this an oversimplification?

 

Class D amps are also very famous for their efficiency. They are much more efficient than class A and B amps, thus producing more power from less power.

 

The class D is usually not a full audio range amp. (Zapco does make full range amps with a chopping PS) the efficiency of a PWM/ chopped Power Supply is very attractive for SPL systems with thousands of watts. I do not think they are louder per watt than an AB in fact the more robust PS of an AB could have an advantage in SOME setups. Bottom line, if I was an SPL guy I would probably use class D

Opinion portion:
I have never heard a specific 'sound' associated with a D or an AB PS. Though I will state my opinion the distortion a D amp will cause to the DC power supply would keep me from using it in an SQ setup AT THIS TIME. I could be wrong but D has an SQ disadvantage (this could be engineered around but from my experience it is not cheep)

 

Salty, your description is apt. Class D is great for power, efficiency, and in many cases,dollars per watt. However, I believe class AB amps retain more control over the woofer. Personally I prefer to use class AB amps for both speakers and subs.

 

He also runs a sealed box with fake ports. [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]