Class H

Richard U · « **on:** 28 Jan 2005, 08:00 pm »

Can anyone tell me what a class H amp is? Is it a hybrid? The new multi channel amp at AV123 is an H class. Thoughts?

Richard

mcgsxr · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Jan 2005, 08:32 pm »

Class H
Class H amplifiers are similar to Class G, except that the power supply voltage "tracks", or is modulated by, the signal. The power supply is always kept slightly higher than the actual power required. Often it has two power supplies, like the class G, and only the higher is modulated. The modulated power supply is generated by a circuit similar to a class D amp.

as per - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_amplifier#Class_H

Richard U · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Jan 2005, 09:05 pm »

mcgsxr,

Would you consider this a hybrid or digital amp? With the great sounding digital amp with mods, I was hoping someone had put it all together, quality parts, good power supply and multi channel at a reasonable price.

Richard

mcgsxr · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Jan 2005, 09:07 pm »

Out of my depth with that question - Google can help me define Class H, but as for deciding much beyond that, I cannot help you...

Sorry,

soundboy · « **Reply #4 on:** 28 Jan 2005, 09:18 pm »

About 10 years ago, Panasonic/Technics' multi-channel receivers (Dolby Pro-Logic) were running Class H amps. The technology was pretty much what Mark descripted. In fact, I am currently using one, the Technics SA-GX690, in my headphone-based system. I remember the old Stereo Review reviewing it and said it was great (as a 2 channel receiver). However, it is extremely heavy and runs extremely hot.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Jan 2005, 12:14 am »

Class H or G are NOT digital or hybrid. They are analog all the way.

All it refers to is how the power supply and output sections are controlled. The signal remains analog all the way through.

This sort of design has been around for at least 20 years.

It is mostly used to reduce the amount of heatsinks nneded in a typical A/B output design.

Hitachi, Soundcraftsman, Carver, etc have all used variants of this design.

albee · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 Jan 2005, 01:39 am »

What class was Carver's "Cube" in the 70's? His patented "magnetic switching"--I remember it looked cool but subjectively sounded like crapola.

Richard U · « **Reply #7 on:** 29 Jan 2005, 04:27 pm »

Thanks for all the info. I guess I'll have to wait for a company to put it all together.

Richard

JCC · « **Reply #8 on:** 30 Jan 2005, 07:24 pm »

Carver is introducing a new 7 channel Class H amplifier, designed for audiophile use. The HTA5.1 is rated at 200 W per channel 8 Ohms.

It will be interesting to see how good it is!

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #9 on:** 30 Jan 2005, 08:33 pm »

The Sunfire amps are "class H," and sound quite good.