[Audioexcels]

I have never heard a superior amp on bass only than a good Class A or A/B type.  I have tried some Plate Amps and some Class D amps, but they failed terribly at reproducing the "headroom", texture, musicality, tonality, well everything they failed at:)).

I have not tried Year 2012 amps, but has anything at all changed since say, 2008-2010 since this is where my experience is with the newer topology on bass only?

Also, if one has heard a big buck Class A amp that is noted for having superior bass, can you tell me any amplifier that is not class A or A/B and maybe/hopefully has built in processing and sounds as good?

Woofers/Subs I think are "quality" that I have used with any amp include:

AE Acoustics Apollos
JBL DDD Motor Subs
Scan-Speak Revelator Series

If anyone has experience with these subs or subs with the lowest distortion out there along with various amps described above and your experience?

Thank You!

[gooberdude]

Good thread!  I've been frustrated over the years w/sub amps but have always gone the plate amp route for convenience.  I wasn't satisfied until buying a Rhythmik A370 plate amp, the difference in sound quality to my existing plate amps (parts express, Dayton, BASH) was laughable & validated the extra expense.

Since then I've had the opportunity to hear powerful Crown pro amps, like the K2, and really felt that is a big step up in power delivery, grip, etc.  I've not had a pro amp in my system though, so take it with a grain of salt. 

[Audioexcels]

Good thread!  I've been frustrated over the years w/sub amps but have always gone the plate amp route for convenience.  I wasn't satisfied until buying a Rhythmik A370 plate amp, the difference in sound quality to my existing plate amps (parts express, Dayton, BASH) was laughable & validated the extra expense.

Since then I've had the opportunity to hear powerful Crown pro amps, like the K2, and really felt that is a big step up in power delivery, grip, etc.  I've not had a pro amp in my system though, so take it with a grain of salt.

Yup...it becomes even further complex when you are using truly fine low distortion bass drivers.  I'm not talking Dayton Reference/Peerless XLS/etc. which to me is like a mid-fi type Vifa for midrange driver.  I'm talking the equivalent of Tad BE mids or taking it a step down but still low distortion newer Accuton, Seas Excel, Audio Technology or for tweeters, Raal, Tad BE, etc. 

Does a person really think Crown/Plate Amp/or mid-fi type a/b amps when they are choosing an amp for their Accuton mids and Raal ribbons???

Thanks for the post as hopefully we can get a wider range of people that have experience working with amps and truly hi-fidelity woofers to chime in about what exactly is out there that can honestly compete with a truly musical Class A, A/B, etc. amp well known for not just headroom, but most importantly, sound fidelity.

If Crown w/built in DSP type of amp does it, I'm all for it, but I guess it's tough for me to see how these amps with their nice hybrid technology can truly do what a fine Class A amp can do with a truly fine woofer-sub.