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Class D vs. Class AB ?

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Old Nov 17, 2018 | 09:30 AM
  #1  
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Default Class D vs. Class AB ?

In a previous life, I did a lot of building and collecting of home audio, where no one would be caught dead using a class D amp for anything, save maybe a subwoofer for a home theatre.

basically, Class D amps are designed to deliver massive power cheaply, with less associated heat, at the expense of SQ -- so it's understandable why they'd be useful for auto and motorcycle applications.

But, what's say you don't need massive power -- like, you're only doing a 2-channel set up? For example, why should I spend $800 for a Class D Focal Sport Amp, when I can get 150w/ch If I use, for example, a class AB JL Audio 300/4 amp in bridged mode? Is there an overwhelming heat issue to worry about? a greater risk of failure? Is the amp too heavy? too big?

I'm trying to figure this all out.
 
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Old Nov 17, 2018 | 09:45 AM
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Most bikes at most only have a 50 amp max charging system with a smaller capacity battery that will not keep up with with the high demand of power that an A/B class amp.

Even if you ran multiple batteries with an A/B amp the charging system on a bike would be working extremely hard to try and keep up with the electrical demand.
That is my basic explanation from my simple way of putting it.
 
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Old Nov 17, 2018 | 03:42 PM
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Pretty much what the above said.
Class A/B amplifiers sound great but are large and in-efficient.
Class D amplifiers sound just ok, but are small and more efficient.

Its a trade off.

Cheers
 
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