Class D or Class A/B architecture

lcswoosh05 · « **on:** 16 Jan 2009, 06:00 am »

I was wondering about this but which type of amp will give better overall sound and less distortion etc? Class D or Class A/B architecture

dweekie · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 07:31 am »

That would vary depending on each amp, and it gets even more complicated depending on the type of distortion, power level, etc

That's my cop-out answer

lcswoosh05 · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 07:44 am »

The reason I' am asking this is since I' am trying to decide if I should get the M-Audio AV-20 monitors or the AV-30 monitors. I did notice that the AV-20 uses class D type amp and the AV-30 uses class A/B type amp. They both are self powered speakers. I just wanted to know which is a better overall amp for speakers. I heard that Class D doesn't give soo much heat and it's in the green but does that mean it's a better amp?

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 08:37 am »

Quote from: lcswoosh05 on 16 Jan 2009, 06:00 am

...which type of amp will give better overall sound and less distortion...

dweekie is right, it depends on the particular amp, not to mention individual preferences. Concerning the issues of heat and ecology; yeah, it's the better amp.

lcswoosh05 · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 10:39 am »

Well in general which amp is overall better? Class D or Class A/B

I just heard that audiophile people use Class A/B so does that mean that Class A/B is a better overall amp?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 11:58 am »

Class A/B has been around longer in production, but as for sound quality and audiophile approval, I would say it comes down to the implementation, and the ears involved. There are lots of happy Class D Audiophiles out there (Bel Canto, Onkyo, Red Dragon, B&O Ice).

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 12:00 pm »

I'd say for the most part people into this hobby don't care about design topology- unless they need a specific type of amp for a load requirement. The other consideration might be for some people is the added heat from a tube amp or Class A solid state amp. Other than that, all things given, the amp that sounds best and has enough power to do the job is the right amp.

Myself, I'd be leaning towards the latest Class D designs as an overall general pick. The best thing for you to do is narrow it down to a few choices that are in your budget. Listen to them in your home and then you will know what is best for YOU!

Sorry, but there just isn't a one size fits all answer to this kind of a question.

BillB · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 01:06 pm »

I would *think* that used within their limitations a good class D would sound a little better. Class D gets very ugly when pushed beyond it's limits though.

JoshK · « **Reply #8 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 02:29 pm »

Quote from: lcswoosh05 on 16 Jan 2009, 10:39 am

Well in general which amp is overall better? Class D or Class A/B

I just heard that audiophile people use Class A/B so does that mean that Class A/B is a better overall amp?

What's better, an apple or an orange?

The answer you get will depend on who you ask and what the latest audiophile fad or "common logic" is.

You want a lot of power, both can give it. If you are looking for cool running operation, the edge goes to class D but both can deliver that too.

You can get good examples of each and poor examples of each. That will matter more than which topology.

richidoo · « **Reply #9 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 04:13 pm »

In this case the M-Audio monitors give you the answer. The AV20 with the class D amps costs $79 for the whole system including 2 cabinets, 4 drivers, and 4 classD amps, active crossover, and hardware. It is cheaper than the $99 AV30 using classAB amps. The classD amps are a cost saving measure, not comparable to hifi class D amps, which cost $500 and up per channel for just the amp - no speaker. For MAudio, Guitar Center and the Chinese mfg to all make 100% profit on this, the amps must cost a dollar per speaker. It is very difficult (impossible) to solve the problems of class D with one dollar. Also notice that the AV 20 is intended to be a computer speaker, not a reference monitor. It must be used with a subwoofer, because the "woofers" in the monitor are smaller than 3", so small they don't even provide the size - it just doesn't matter because there will be no bass.

The AV 30 has 3" woofers and AB amps. The AB amps at this price $2 per speaker are likely to sound much better than class D $2 AB amps is a very old science that has been perfected. $1 class D amps have not been around long enough and are intended by design to be disposable. Both will be IC chips.

Usually building your own would be the path to better value, but I don't think you could build something this inexpensive DIY. If that's your budget, by all means go for the AV30 to get the larger drivers which will play lower notes which will be more satisfying. I personally think that the AB amps have the potential to sound smoother than the Ds in the AV20, but the rest of the speaker is more important, especially the "bass" driver.

You might do better looking for something used so you are not paying the new premium, but it will still probably cost more than $100. A friend of mine (an audiophile) has the BX5e's for his computer monitors and says they sound great. They are $400 but a big step up in many ways. Good luck swoosh!

f2a · « **Reply #10 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 04:37 pm »

.yes we can say it depend to $.
Factory like sony and Panasonic use class d in dvd home tater for 300$ sound too bad
Factory like cenwood use class d in car audio in 500$ sound bad
Factory like sony use class d in tv sound from 500 700 $ sound bad
Diy project like sub woofer amp 100 or 200$ not bad
So for good result in class d you shold buy som mor expensive prou duct and we cant find great sound in class d amps with normal price .

lcswoosh05 · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 05:56 pm »

Well I won't really use these speakers as monitors I just will use them as PC speakers or MP3 speakers etc. I just like to have clear precise sounds on my music so that's why I wanted to get the AV-20 or the AV-30 monitors. But I do know that M-Audio said that all of the AV series are built well and using high end parts even they are affordable price. The AV-20 woofers are 2in drivers. It says that on the manual on the website. So basicaly only 1in difference.

Basicaly I need to know that is the AV-20 going to be better since it has the new Class D amp or is the one with Class A/B going to be better? Basicaly I need to know which type of amp is more popular.

woodsyi · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 06:01 pm »

My gut feeling says, AB is better on treble and D is better on bass. Since, you got no bass, I would go with AB. You don't need no damping power to control those "woofers" as I see it. Does it answer your question?

f2a · « **Reply #13 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 06:37 pm »

In product such as these active speaker in low price its clear ab is better . in changing wave from Square to analog signal the d class can generate noise on audio signal .

richidoo · « **Reply #14 on:** 16 Jan 2009, 07:38 pm »

Quote from: lcswoosh05 on 16 Jan 2009, 05:56 pm

So basicaly only 1in difference.

1" radius (AV 20) = 3.14 square inches
1.5" radius (AV 30) = 7.1 square inches
It will make a big difference in the bass response.

I suggest you look on Craig's list for an old receiver and larger two way speakers together for <$100. As people buy surround sound HT and flat panels there are a lot of well loved old stereos needing new homes. You won't believe what you can find on Craig's list.

If you want small and chic, read reviews online (pcmagazine, etc) for best value in $100 computer speakers. I have these, $100:
http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com/store/category.cgi?category=mul_spk_csw&item=1100001246
Good enough for gaming and playing tunes. I used them in my bedroom when I first got my portable player, before I got into hifi.

lcswoosh05 · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Jan 2009, 01:02 pm »

Well I did get the AV-20 that has the Class D amp and I don't hear any noise problem it actualy sounds really good. Plus I notice the amp doesn't get alot of heat at all.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 Jan 2009, 03:04 pm »

Quote from: lcswoosh05 on 19 Jan 2009, 01:02 pm

Well I did get the AV-20 that has the Class D amp and I don't hear any noise problem it actualy sounds really good. Plus I notice the amp doesn't get alot of heat at all.

Good for you, sounds like you are happy with the choice you made.

Back in the late 70's when I was really starting to get into audio, I obsessed of specifications and measurements etc. Then one day I heard an amp that measured very poorly but sounded fantastic.

Sometimes you just have to throw out the so called "science of numbers" and disregard the popular opinion. Especially popular opinion. If that mattered at all, we all own Bose (shudder) speakers.

lcswoosh05 · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 Jan 2009, 07:19 pm »

So are you trying to say that the AV-20 specs are that bad??? It just sounded like you were saying that the AV-20 specs are bad. I guess you can take a look at them and tell me what you think.

Here's the owners manual and it does have the full specs for the AV-20.

http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/manuals/012907_AV20_UG_EN01.pdf

Here is some details for the speakers I have now.

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV20.html

lcswoosh05 · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 Jan 2009, 08:00 pm »

It does also say Audiophile sound for your computer and I do agree it does really sound clear and precise. Like something that cost alot more.

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 Jan 2009, 03:46 am »

Quote from: lcswoosh05 on 19 Jan 2009, 07:19 pm

So are you trying to say that the AV-20 specs are that bad???

I have no idea, but if I was considering them, I wouldn't worry about specs. Ears don't care about specs and they are far more qualified (than specs) to judge what sounds good.