What are the differences between CLASS D, CLASS A/B and CLASS A amplifiers?

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  • Опубликовано: 1 дек 2024

Комментарии • 300

  • @starbase218
    @starbase218 9 месяцев назад +53

    Class A = a heater that happens to produce music.
    Class B = produces music, but barely.
    Class A/B = can't decide between heating the place and producing music.
    Class D = a very fast morse code generator that still produces music.

    • @MasterofPlay7
      @MasterofPlay7 9 месяцев назад

      What about the c wave proposed by mark Levinson on his Daniel Hertz Maria amp?

  • @paulofoliveira
    @paulofoliveira 9 месяцев назад +25

    IT guy here, tnx for the amp types explanation! But the network part makes no sense, the TCP/IP implementation already solve this problem, and send/receive buffers take care of the timing issue. So… yes fiber optic can have more length and is easier to route, but the audio is exactly the same.

    • @TecraTube
      @TecraTube 8 месяцев назад +6

      that's what I'm saying! these old guys think there's a difference in audio quality of the same file type played over Ethernet or Cloud. I can almost bet the file being streamed from the cloud is compressed and possibly a different file type altogether

    • @connorpage5883
      @connorpage5883 8 месяцев назад

      @@TecraTubeI’m new to this but I think you need a DAC to play anything over 48khz on Apple Music.

    • @VeteransOfAmerica1
      @VeteransOfAmerica1 8 месяцев назад +6

      Agree with OP, but in addition this ignores the whole concept of buffering. Timing of the error correction adding noise is nonsense as the data will get there completely or it won’t and there will be a timeout. The data will not be changed. There probably is an audio discussion to be had regarding streaming versus local, but this is more around the codec/compression/bitrate or other things the streaming service may be doing at the data level, fidelity loss in local networking isn’t a thing unless something went really wrong.

  • @carrizzle9586
    @carrizzle9586 7 месяцев назад +6

    @8:00 I was listening to this podcast and wanted to add a correction to the Class A amplifier discussion: Class A amplifiers have transistor(s) that are biased half way between the voltage rails, normally ground (0V) and the positive voltage rail, so there is no transistor handling the positive swinging signal and the negative swinging signal it a transistor or group of transistors handling the entire signal. The transistors are constantly on and conducting current with that bias scheme therefore it waste power even in idle and gets extremely hot. They might sound good but it is taxing on the transistor which is why they have extremely large heatsinks, and your wallet via the electric bill.

  • @Chris.from.1950
    @Chris.from.1950 9 месяцев назад +41

    I’m putting my money on A/B. Literally. A channel just died on the 52 year old Sansui AU-555 that’s been the cornerstone of my system since the summer I got married, so I bought a Schiit Vidar, which is shipping Today! 🎉

    • @gurustarr9277
      @gurustarr9277 9 месяцев назад +2

      I have the same amp!! Did you like when alive? I got it from my father and I can hear a bit of background noise, but other than that it sounds pretty good to me

    • @darylkauffman6595
      @darylkauffman6595 9 месяцев назад +6

      Why not repair the Sansui?

    • @Audfile
      @Audfile 9 месяцев назад +1

      You could have saved a little more and gotten Orchard Starkrimson monoblocks. Oh well, enjoy the Schiit.

    • @dexi9814
      @dexi9814 9 месяцев назад +6

      Go get it serviced! Those vintage amps are tanks when properly serviced, will last another 50 years easily.

    • @MasterofPlay7
      @MasterofPlay7 9 месяцев назад +2

      You should get the Daniel Hertz Maria, class d is the future 😆

  • @heikkikuokka6740
    @heikkikuokka6740 9 месяцев назад +4

    At the end John mentioned the acoustic treatment of his office. I have to say that it is much more pleasant to listen to John‘s voice in his treated office than Srajan‘s echoing voice.

  • @BobbyBass-x6i
    @BobbyBass-x6i 9 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for a new 2024 podcast. Always interesting to learn about new equipment. I’m an A/B guy. I’ve had amps that have lasted for decades. My 200 WPC into 8 ohms Rotel amp paired with its matching preamp is the perfect balance of performance, looks and cost IMO. I can run it for hours cranking out classic rock and it never gets hot or triggers a protection circuit. Hopefully other classes of amps will advance the science of hi-fi and pass the test of reliability over time. Keep up the good work!

  • @TombstoneTube
    @TombstoneTube 9 месяцев назад +8

    Srajan's reviews are just in another level compared with the most of the reviewers today

  • @mrkitewine7700
    @mrkitewine7700 9 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks John,
    This is public service broadcasting, you Inform, Educate and Entertain.

  • @espresso8925
    @espresso8925 9 месяцев назад +2

    Vintage high class preamp and a class D Poweramp. The Perfect combo for me

  • @philingle3785
    @philingle3785 5 месяцев назад +2

    Having been a network engineer for 25 years ... Nah, not really, I work in rope access. But when you said that it's not important for items to the printer to arrive in chunks, but audio needs to arrive in a stream you forgot about buffering. Here is a handy way to look at it. Your network endpoint is like an egg timer open at both ends. You want a constant stream of sand to come out of it. A good network is like filling it up repeatedly with a dessert spoon, a poor network is like filling it up with a teaspoon. Replacing the copper with fibre optics is like swapping the tablespoon for a shovel.

  • @anastassiosroumboutsos8288
    @anastassiosroumboutsos8288 9 месяцев назад +1

    Fantastic coverage and I am hooked! Can’t wait for the next one.

  • @martingallagher9316
    @martingallagher9316 9 месяцев назад +8

    On the Naim Uniti Nova PE, it retails in here in the uk for £8600. I listened to one at Sevenoaks SAV. I ended buying a Naim Uniti Nova headphone edition with the NAD m23 power amplifier and saved £3000 on a better sounding unit with more power, 200w compered to 150w. Plus balanced headphone connections and all the offerings of the PE edition apart from HDMI input. The Naim pricing of the Nova PE unit is just wrong IMHO

    • @deanwhiteley3065
      @deanwhiteley3065 9 месяцев назад

      Hi, I have the standard Nova. I didn’t realise there was an headphone edition? Is this new? I know there is an Atom headphone edition as I’m looking to buy one.

    • @doctorbritain9632
      @doctorbritain9632 9 месяцев назад

      That's quite smart, I like it.

    • @martingallagher9316
      @martingallagher9316 9 месяцев назад

      Sorry my typo error. It is the Naim Uniti Atom HE I bought with the NAD M23@@deanwhiteley3065

  • @trevorharrison29
    @trevorharrison29 9 месяцев назад +7

    As Paul McGowan said a couple of years ago, Class D amplification continues to change for the better. Some peoples opinion of Class D has not changed.

  • @dicmccoy
    @dicmccoy 9 месяцев назад +1

    I upgraded from Class A/B to a pair of Purifi Class D mono blocks. I'm very, very happy with them. It was definitely an upgrade, sonically.

  • @johnpischedda6951
    @johnpischedda6951 9 месяцев назад

    John & Srajan, that was nothing short of an excellent presentation. Thanks so much, held my interest the whole way through and yes both entertaining and educational. Bravo !

  • @kevinf9822
    @kevinf9822 9 месяцев назад +2

    ATC active speakers all are Class A/B amplified, top to bottom. In addition, the amp modules can be taken out and shipped back individually.

  • @technics-n-thuiast8346
    @technics-n-thuiast8346 9 месяцев назад +7

    @46:30 Technics uses GaNFet in its SE-R1 and SU-R1000....fun fact, GaNFet's are used in AESA Active Electronically Scanned Array radars in modern 5th and 6th generation fighter jets. Pretty bad a**, right?

  • @craigsummerville8823
    @craigsummerville8823 9 месяцев назад +1

    After decades of Class A/B (Classe Audio & PASS Labs) I recently switched to Class D with the Emerald Physics EP600.2SE. It includes a tube buffer stage that can be switched in and out on the fly but I find that I only engage it for serious listening sessions. The most musical and powerful amp I have owned, dead quiet, and it only weighs 15 lbs (6.8 kg) so rearranging my equipment rack won’t hurt my back (looking at you PASS Labs X5).

  • @khrispeter85
    @khrispeter85 9 месяцев назад +3

    A big part of someone’s preference is experience and exposure. I grew up listening to Class AB stereo sound systems and old school vinyl and radio with my old man. Then I migrated to CD’s , tried the mini disc, ipod, and streaming and now my primarily listening is CD with a class AB amp cause to me, that just sounds naturally better, the sound brings the air around me alive and full bodied to my ears. Streaming is too clean and sterile, the sound has no body soul whatever you want to call it, just doesn’t make me happy. That’s just me

  • @artemnadozhyn3697
    @artemnadozhyn3697 9 месяцев назад +3

    I am really happy that AGD was mentioned by Mr. Srajan as those amp are damn good. Using Audion MK iii and I really happy of having that, my another amp is class A push-pull - Cobra by Audio Note.

    • @DBTAudio
      @DBTAudio 9 месяцев назад

      I own the AGD Audion Mkiii mono blocks as well and they are the real deal! They outperformed my Parasound JC5. I hope they are reliable because I plan to keep them for a long time and I have no idea what I would replace them with?

  • @myself61607
    @myself61607 9 месяцев назад +1

    Linn has made AB amps with SMPS for a very long time
    They also drove isobaric speakers actively in the 1980s and are still pushing active. Interestingly very few customers seem to like separate amps for active systems which opens endless possibilities. But also lots of cables and boxes.

  • @SuperMcgenius
    @SuperMcgenius 9 месяцев назад +1

    The Vandersteen model 5 used 2 12” woofers in a isobaric configuration for below 120 Hz, the two woofers think the box is twice the size, it also offers more work for control. I’ve made a few subs using this configuration with excellent results

  • @dodpr
    @dodpr 9 месяцев назад +2

    I always learn a lot from your videos. Thank you.

  • @mikekatrina3444
    @mikekatrina3444 8 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for the podcast. It was a really nice breakdown of the different Class of amplifiers for network engineers 🙂 A much better usage of galvanic isolation is the demarcation point of network service into power substations where the results of electrical ‘crossover’ from switchyards into the telecommunications network can be much more serious than signal interference 😉 Also Cat5, 5e, 6, 7, etc. UTP, FTP, etc. are indeed most widely used in Ethernet LANs but they are not Ethernet cables in the same way that the multi-mode fibre optic cable that Srajan was holding is also not an Ethernet cable. Capable of transport Ethernet frames across networks yes, but that is a sweeping generalisation. I love your stuff but sometimes us IT folk get triggered too 😁

  • @TitoPricus
    @TitoPricus 9 месяцев назад +3

    I only have 2 types of amplification in my vocabulary: the ones that sound great and the ones that sound "not great".

    • @jimfarrell4635
      @jimfarrell4635 8 месяцев назад +1

      Amen, Tito, I agree entirely.

  • @johnchroust3815
    @johnchroust3815 9 месяцев назад +2

    Very informative and one of your best videos to date. More of solid state and tube amplifier design would be nice.

  • @jimdavis5230
    @jimdavis5230 9 месяцев назад +2

    I have a 125W class C amplifier here that sounds great as long as you drive it with an FM signal centered on 145Mhz.

  • @jyewhin
    @jyewhin 9 месяцев назад +1

    As an ex electronic engineer and hifi enthusiast, I really enjoyed this video.

    • @byeck63
      @byeck63 9 месяцев назад

      Me too. (ex-EE), but it was a bit tortuous without signal vs. time graphs!

  • @johannselles
    @johannselles 9 месяцев назад

    That is SO interesting! Thank you John and Srajan. Your humility and knowledge are very much appreciated. Keep on the good work!

  • @thirtysixverts
    @thirtysixverts 9 месяцев назад +2

    I've got a March Audio amp that uses the Purifi modules (P452), and it's wonnnnnnnderful. Incredibly cool and efficient, sounds wonderful, and in the realm of hifi, and incredible value at less than $2k USD.

  • @shuckylad
    @shuckylad 9 месяцев назад +4

    Tried class D. Punchy as but I was soon back to A/B.

  • @stevedougherty3720
    @stevedougherty3720 9 месяцев назад

    I for one really like this Bi Media format used now, John does a good job to keep Srajan on track with the needs for audio listeners only. I like it because I have a choice on how to consume. Clearly the video has advantages with speaker pictures etc. but when out walking with ear buds the audio podcast is the only option.

  • @IainWilliamson-kk5hs
    @IainWilliamson-kk5hs 9 месяцев назад

    Thank you both for your insights and the entertaining way you present. I always learn so much and have a great time doing it.

  • @GBGOLC
    @GBGOLC 9 месяцев назад +7

    It does look sexy, but Naim really are taking the Micheal here. You can only live off your naim (see what I did there) for so long. £10K for a Class D, 150W. I don’t care what the amplification method is, does it sound good? Price wise, they really are pushing the limit to what they can get away with. I suppose they’ll no doubt introduce a power supply option for £5K even though it’s Class D. 😂 I auditioned the original version and left it in the shop.

    • @doctorbritain9632
      @doctorbritain9632 9 месяцев назад +1

      Agreed

    • @theklipschcave3389
      @theklipschcave3389 8 месяцев назад

      Heating problems? With a LM 805 you get beautiful sound, plenty of power and fantastic glowing valves. It’s like a fireplace with great musical quality… and you can do tuberoling. When you got a transistoramp you are stuck! Please get out of this transistor trouble. I haven’t seen any propa’ review on tube amps on your programme Darko?!
      What’s the readon for this?

    • @DarkoAudio
      @DarkoAudio  8 месяцев назад +1

      You haven't seen tube amps on this channel because you haven't looked 😉

  • @abrahammartinez3524
    @abrahammartinez3524 9 месяцев назад +1

    Great video. I have the McIntosh 252 that is an Hybrid Class A & Class D, sounds amazing, but more and more hear and read that Class D is evolving to even surpass Class A or AB in many aspects.

  • @mpowerV10
    @mpowerV10 9 месяцев назад +2

    I’d love to hear an expanded discussion on WiFi vs Ethernet for streaming. Perhaps a video showing and discussing side by side comparisons.

    • @ThePwig
      @ThePwig 9 месяцев назад

      Why would they be different?

  • @Nagualis1313
    @Nagualis1313 9 месяцев назад +1

    I have listened to Naim PE class D in Bristol and it sounded nice to me. Even in untreated hotel room. I think that’s the most important … either one like the sound or not… does not matter how it is achieved … at least to me. It’s like wine … one can do so many manipulations in growing or making it but what matters is the end product and our personal taste. A lot of good amps from Aavik Daniel Hertz are class D now and they do sound nice so maybe it’s just a simple evolution ?

  • @MikeGorman-nb4hm
    @MikeGorman-nb4hm 9 месяцев назад +8

    Class D will eventually become the norm. Too many advantages. Pro audio has been class D for a long time.

  • @havbeen18
    @havbeen18 9 месяцев назад +1

    Srajan is correct about Class G. It has a number of power rails which are switched in as power demands are increased. When the signal is low these supplies are in idle thus reducing the power used. Sorry John but Lindorff and Peachtree are a versions of class D. They get their "digital"label from the way the input signals are processed through to the output stage. I agree the clever marketing does give a different impression. cheers G.

  • @saedamad
    @saedamad 9 месяцев назад +1

    Good morning from Singapore.I am happy with my tube amp and my YBA intergrated amp since 1979.I am also happy with my Thiel cs22 and snell type d speakers.

  • @Z-u-m-a
    @Z-u-m-a 9 месяцев назад +3

    Only class D I've had was a Ncore-based one. Bought in to the hype a bit. Stunning clarity and definition, bass in particular, like nothing I'd had before in various amps - AB solid state, valve, and hybrid/MOSFET ones. But over time it didnt feel right. All the detail was there but something unnatural about it - especially the tip end. Again, feel. Went back to AB amps and now a class A.

  • @snuggsie
    @snuggsie 9 месяцев назад +2

    Musical Fidelity made a class B amp back the 80s - the B1. I have one and it's great.

  • @davidwilliamson6532
    @davidwilliamson6532 9 месяцев назад

    Back in 2013 I replaced a pair of Cary 300SE monoblocks amps (Class A, 9watts - yes, nine watts - per channel) with an ARCAM AVR600 because I wanted multichannel audio as an option whilst still focusing on stereo listening. I was very pleased with its performance versus the superb Cary monos for my ALMARRO M2A speakers.
    It was only later when I found some technical resources on Class G amps (as in the Arcam) that I understood this amplification was Class A up to 30 watts per channel. I am still very happily running the ARCAM AVR600 (only ever used as an amplifier, not for video processing).
    An interesting coincidence for me in John's podcast is that he is partnering with Srajan. My ALMARRO M2A speakers are from 2005-10 period and I have only ever found two reviews of them and one was by Srajan on his 6Moons site....and a glowing one!!
    Thanks to John & Srajan for offering more confirmation of my original decision re Class G amplification.

  • @mozphet3030
    @mozphet3030 9 месяцев назад +2

    Class D finally, finally (when looking at the best designs) can compete with A & AB.

  • @popcornl8208
    @popcornl8208 7 месяцев назад

    This is a great guest--I enjoyed the discussion

  • @TheLkdude
    @TheLkdude 9 месяцев назад

    The cartridge that Srajan is referring to is known as Small form-factor pluggable (SFP), they come in different types and speeds based on your
    cables and endpoints.

  • @taidee
    @taidee 9 месяцев назад

    Well thank you JD and thank you Srajan for another entertaining and educational podcast, please keep them coming.

  • @nowde2491
    @nowde2491 9 месяцев назад +2

    Since you called out network engineers; I'm going to have to say, "I'm a cyber security engineer and that network related segment was though to listen too".

    • @nowde2491
      @nowde2491 9 месяцев назад

      Also any IT admin who thinks that 5mins is an acceptable time for a printout to start being rendered at a printer should not be an IT admin. Everything is time dependent at the workplace, ask any online bank if things are not time dependent...or online gaming for a less critical example. Having said all that, great content as usual.

    • @EricRhodeslives
      @EricRhodeslives 9 месяцев назад +1

      And your spelling is hard to look at. 👍

  • @dipanjanbiswas6580
    @dipanjanbiswas6580 9 месяцев назад +1

    I've gone from budget Class A/B (Denon) to budget Class D (Topping, Fosi, Crown, Micca) then back to budget Class A/B (Denon AVR). In the budget segment at least - I prefer the A/B sound - sounds fuller but definitely less resolving

  • @ryanstratton1925
    @ryanstratton1925 9 месяцев назад +1

    I have a unity Nova and it's a wimp in terms of power. I've had it shut down a number of times playing it loud in a 12x14 bedroom with a number of different speakers. It's supposed to have 80 watts which should be plenty but for whatever reason it's a wimpy 80 watts in my world. If you like to play loud and want to use a typical lower efficiency box speaker you may be disappointed. I'm sure others have had the same problem, hence the PE version.

  • @technics-n-thuiast8346
    @technics-n-thuiast8346 9 месяцев назад +2

    I think class AD is the future ( Devialet is doing it ). And GaN transistors. It'll replace class AB and advantage is that it doesn't switch from A to AB class but it uses 10W class A and powerful ( 150W or more ) class D. So Class A gives that nice warm sound and musicality whilst class D gives the punch.

  • @audiorick841
    @audiorick841 9 месяцев назад

    Great video/ podcast guys!
    Thank you.

  • @dal2258
    @dal2258 9 месяцев назад +6

    Watching this made me realise I am not an audiophile.

    • @johnpischedda6951
      @johnpischedda6951 9 месяцев назад +2

      On the contrary the fact that you watched it confirms that you are :)

    • @Chris.from.1950
      @Chris.from.1950 9 месяцев назад

      Please explain. How do you define "audiophile" and how did watching this video cause you to realize that you are outside of that definition?

  • @PL-oc7vn
    @PL-oc7vn 9 месяцев назад +1

    I don't know if anyone already mentioned it but your voice is very relaxing. I regularly find myself falling asleep while watching your videos... Kind of strange but yeah, I thought you should know

    • @DarkoAudio
      @DarkoAudio  9 месяцев назад +10

      Me too! 😆

    • @PL-oc7vn
      @PL-oc7vn 9 месяцев назад

      Really? Haha, man that’s an awesome feature! 😄

    • @technics-n-thuiast8346
      @technics-n-thuiast8346 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@DarkoAudio 🤣 good one

    • @rikardekvall3433
      @rikardekvall3433 9 месяцев назад +1

      So relaxing for me too. Also nearly falling to sleep, nodding up and down. Luckily we got YT version so it’s easier to stay focused. But out walking or in the car, the Podcast rules. What about John reading whinny the Pooh 😂 at night. Love your work.

  • @michaelsparrow4798
    @michaelsparrow4798 9 месяцев назад +4

    @DarkoAudio I believe you got Class A wrong. Class A amps use just one output switching transistor -- NOT positive and negative pairs. The single output transistor is biased around the middle of its capability and is never driven into its cut-off or saturation. This allows the transistor to conduct current over the full 360 degrees of the input cycle. If you google for Class A and Class AB schematics, the difference is clear.

    • @DarkoAudio
      @DarkoAudio  9 месяцев назад +1

      Only one transistor? So Class A can *only* be single-ended?

    • @Maver1ck911
      @Maver1ck911 9 месяцев назад

      ​@DarkoAudio wait, do you mean to tell me there are push-pull implementations explained in detail by Jason Stoddard from Schiit available online for all to read?

    • @dennishensema5382
      @dennishensema5382 9 месяцев назад

      Class A can be single ended and it can also be push pull. Single ended class A can never ever have crossover distortion. Push pull class a is designed to have no crossover at normal loads. But I can imagine that it might leave A operation at full load at 2 ohms or something like that.

    • @andrewstacey246
      @andrewstacey246 9 месяцев назад

      @michaelsparrow4798 Class A amplifiers can be either be single ended ( in which case they need a large blocking capacitor to stop DC destroying speakers ) or a push/pull dual rail. Class AB amps are to my knowledge always dual rail, which is probably where your confusion comes from, they have the transistor biased on all the time to above the Base / emitter voltage ( typically 0.6v ) to stop the unused transistor switching off. The advantage of class A is that the transistor bias does not have to increase with the signal. If it doesn’t have a signal, it just creates heat. You could have a 100w class AB amplifier that has say 10w of class A, it would just have to have a huge heatsink as it would typically dissipate 800w of power ( to be able to drive a 2ohm load)

    • @davetenhove9128
      @davetenhove9128 9 месяцев назад

      Push pull class A vs single ended is where some confusion comes class a/b is basically a low biased PP class A

  • @tonyhodgkinson4586
    @tonyhodgkinson4586 9 месяцев назад +2

    Why does the HDMI on all Naim gear look like an after thought that was just bolted on, on a premium price product?

  • @brianfernandes2382
    @brianfernandes2382 9 месяцев назад

    I used to build Isobaric enclosures using MB Quart drivers for car audio installations. They were very efficient, so easy to drive with great results on a low budget

  • @jrg1man1978
    @jrg1man1978 9 месяцев назад +2

    You've left out the happy medium, class G. It was used by Hitachi, Bob Carver, and is currently used by Arcam. They tend to run deep, say 3-5 watts at class A, and use a feed forward circuit to switch on successive power supply nodes as needed so there is enough power to keep the class b crossover distortion low while keeping the power consumption very low. You use class A for the vast majority of amplification for most music on most speakers in most rooms without having to keep an A/B amps permanent bias very high. They are very efficient. -- Edit you did mention it. But not much.

    • @DarkoAudio
      @DarkoAudio  9 месяцев назад +1

      What % of ALL amps are Class G? Answer that and you’ll see why we only gave it a passing mention.

    • @BrandonWeiss
      @BrandonWeiss 9 месяцев назад

      I definitely appreciate the mention. I am an Arcam user, but it does seem to be something that Best Buy in the States advertises as a step down from McIntosh, so that number may grow (granted the client may not know it is class G). I appreciate the video.

  • @lamarw9901
    @lamarw9901 9 месяцев назад +2

    Orchard Audio uses ganfet technology and is a reasonably priced. 2 ohm stable amp.

  • @TheVeganVicar
    @TheVeganVicar 9 месяцев назад

    I'm in the market for a new amplifier, so this was rather well-timed, John!

  • @skylark7621
    @skylark7621 9 месяцев назад +2

    You both often use the word "switching", maybe you should explain what that means in this context.
    A Class D Amp's transistors are either fully open or fully closed and they are switching between these states.
    Therefore they run so cool, 'cause there's no loss when they are closed fully and there's little loss when they are fully open.
    Cool thing!

  • @VictorZubakin
    @VictorZubakin 8 месяцев назад +6

    How about a Readers Digest edited version that doesn't go for an hour and a half!?

    • @DarkoAudio
      @DarkoAudio  8 месяцев назад +3

      Sure thing. I'll get right on it...

  • @johnmcdevitt9797
    @johnmcdevitt9797 9 месяцев назад +1

    Hybrid integrated amplifiers combine class-A preamplifier topology with class-A/B or D amplifier topology. I'm well versed in amplifier topology and I think seasoned audiophiles are too or at the very least they know what they like and which brands make a preferred sound signature. Personally I prefer the sound signature of the current generation McIntosh solid state class A/B amplification for speakers. There's a directness to the sound signature or maybe a better description is a coupling effect, this did not impress me at first but now everything else sounds broken to me that does not have the directness of McIntosh amplification, I shouldn't say broken because I love the sound signature of 300B triodes and triodes in general, I love the sound of budget tier amps like Onkyo, I'll mix it up to keep things interesting but I always go back my McIntosh rig after a few days, there's something about those McIntosh output autoformers that can make other amps sound broken in direct comparison

  • @BostonMike68
    @BostonMike68 9 месяцев назад

    Isobaric can be faced the same way and move together or be in a clamshell and work in a push pull configuration. The main reason why you don't see them that much anymore is cost and also we have better drivers than 60 years ago when they needed huge cabinets for big sound. When they came out with the AR sealed boxes that kinda changed everything.

  • @andrecobb8938
    @andrecobb8938 6 месяцев назад +2

    I just recently discovered this guy and his fabulous reviews (looking into getting a pair of KEF R3 metas), started watching this video and noticed Pet Shop Boys Heart in the background. Now I’m an even more massive fan of him! BTW, a review of the Arcam A15 and how it is with those KEFs would be nice!

  • @costadelsolgolfer
    @costadelsolgolfer 9 месяцев назад

    I've been through Naim AB (Nait 5i; 1552XS,155XS; 202/200) plus all the power supplies, which for the 202/200 was a TeddyCap and a Napsc and I've gone to a NAD C298 power amplifier with the Purifi Eigentakt class D modules fed by a Chord Hugo TT2 (which is DAC digital preamplifier) and I wouldn't switch back. I've replaced 8 boxes (DAC+PS; Pre+2PSs;Power; Headphone amp+PS) with two and it sounds crystal clear which I prefer. Less is more for me.

  • @juanramostaboada6120
    @juanramostaboada6120 9 месяцев назад +2

    Jeff Rowland , top quality class D amplifiers.

  • @Leo-tf7gu
    @Leo-tf7gu 9 месяцев назад +2

    I have an Arcam Class G integrated amp and I love the sound it produces. Maybe you should review the new Arcam Stadia A25.

  • @wolkewietje01
    @wolkewietje01 9 месяцев назад +5

    On the topic of fiber optics VS ethernet..... That's why they have memory buffers in modern switches and routers. So it would not matter timestamp wise. The data from a source arrives way faster to the destination than you can listen to. So error handling would have plenty of time to correct the signal if there was any fault in the TCP/IP packaging. There is also a memory buffer in your DAC or streaming service receiver, either it being a RaspBerryPi using Roon or Volumio or a fancy streamer like Eversolo DMP 6 or 8. Therefore, this 'Fiberoptics' is nonsense. Look to improve on speakers, DAC and source files instead for the best gain in sound quality. Spend your money wisely, to gain maximum return.

    • @trauma50disaster1
      @trauma50disaster1 9 месяцев назад

      I'm learning but if I'm happy with my speakers and avr your saying don't get buy an amp? But if I upgrade my speakers that would be way more money. So can people blind a/b test their speakers with an amp off and then on, and it's not really a big deal? I just thought an amp would improve the speakers sound a bit.

  • @jasonzondor4788
    @jasonzondor4788 9 месяцев назад +2

    As a former network engineer, I was about to say something... but I never would have thought about audio streaming and the latency factor effecting audio. Does the client not account for that and add some buffering so that no frames are lost?

    • @ryoanji_
      @ryoanji_ 9 месяцев назад

      Just think about the potential latency you can get because of TCP/IP packet resend depending on network conditions, topology etc. And streamers can add additional layers (on top of TCP) of error correction techniques (forward error correction, back error correction, etc) to ensure quality on the media signal. So yes, you always have a buffer in the endpoints of media streaming to ensure you will not get drops in time dimension.

  • @BrandonWeiss
    @BrandonWeiss 9 месяцев назад +1

    Kef LS50s and LS60s are Class A/B for highs/mids and Class D for low fwiw.

  • @thebingaling1105
    @thebingaling1105 9 месяцев назад +1

    I’ve just swapped my Roksan K3 (A/B) for a Cambridge Evo 150. Did it to get down to one box. Different sound but I’m really enjoying the convenience and more importantly the sound from the Evo. Bass is great and tight and it’s more revealing. I think it’s more neutral in its sound. I wonder whether class A/B is warmer but more coloured? Hmmmm.

  • @kevinf9822
    @kevinf9822 9 месяцев назад +2

    I wonder if the GANFET technology might not solve some of the high end 'hardness' of the existing Class D amplification (to the extent that it still exists).

    • @bilguana11
      @bilguana11 8 месяцев назад

      Some do: the Orchard Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.0 does it all perfectly.

  • @michaelsmithers177
    @michaelsmithers177 9 месяцев назад +7

    I'm perplexed by the argument that network noise filters and/or electrical isolation (e.g. via an optical connection) improves only streaming music. If ethernet was causing inteference in the audio output, then ANY network traffic would be a problem even when playing local files from disc! Maybe a double-blind listening test would settle the question. BTW w.r.t galvanic isolation, my understanding is that ethernet switches have this by design. Without it, ground loops and surges could damage the switches.

    • @kzil
      @kzil 9 месяцев назад +4

      Yes, it is audiophile BS. Bit perfect is bit perfect, and isolated from electrical noise, the signal is as good as it gets. And, yeah, Ethernet is galvanically isolated by design.

  • @davidwilliamson6532
    @davidwilliamson6532 9 месяцев назад

    The discussion on use of glass fibre/Ethernet/galvanic isolation immediately reminded me of Small Green Computers and their network streamer product line.
    I started using their microRendu many years ago as a Roon endpoint, but benefitting from its galvanic isolation. This early little marvel was eventually replaced by optical-fibre linked modules ("Optical Rendu").
    In the end I did not understand whether Srajan's approach was in any way different from the SMG product lineup.

  • @psyphonyxaudio
    @psyphonyxaudio 9 месяцев назад

    I am heading to Florida AudioExpo tomorrow ..and I will be asking the team that question about the Uniti Nova PE .. " what kind of amp module is it "
    .. I'll post the conversation at the show on my socials.

  • @denim5
    @denim5 9 месяцев назад

    Everyone is so excited about the Nova PE, but I'm really curious about the CI-102 Uniti. It's designed for custom installations, sure. But it costs 1500 euros, it's tiny, quite nice looking, and if it sounds like a Naim it could be a bargain!

  • @LongBlackLimousine
    @LongBlackLimousine 9 месяцев назад

    My favourite HiFi youtuber.❤

  • @charleshuguley9323
    @charleshuguley9323 9 месяцев назад +1

    I thought for much of this episode that John was referring to his guest as "Sir John". It seemed odd that, although the man did not seem to be British, he had a knighthood. I assumed that either John Darko was flattering him or that the man was so vain that he insisted on being addressed as Sir John. Eventually I noticed that his name was captioned and realized my error.

    • @bonoach2632
      @bonoach2632 9 месяцев назад

      hahaha great comment. I know what you mean.

  • @pizzaboy399
    @pizzaboy399 9 месяцев назад +2

    Oh, half-WIDTH box. I thought you said half-WIT! I was thinking, finally, a box for me!
    Lol

    • @pushslice
      @pushslice 9 месяцев назад

      Lol I heard the same thing! …and I was going to actually accept it as a subtle bit of Darko humor.. ;-P

  • @parfridberg
    @parfridberg 9 месяцев назад

    Class D. Lyngdorf TDAI 3400. Wonderful sound. I’ve had a lot of AB, A, tube and the Lyngdorf is a clear winner.

  • @Diffferencial
    @Diffferencial 9 месяцев назад +1

    My dad has developed a top notch class ab about 35 years ago and im still using it today. When getting my first stereo it inspired him to build a newer Version with specs that would decimate modern consumer Devices so i am definitely on the ab side of the discussion. Of course the inefficiencies of class a and ab are a turn off but lets be honest who really needs 600 Watts into 4ohms with a loss of maybe 250w these days? Especcially in modern homes 100-150w are really enough and with that the inefficiencies arent that big of a Deal any more.

    • @jenshoefer7944
      @jenshoefer7944 8 месяцев назад

      Lol, talking about modern homes, a 150W class A is a no-go, unless you turn off other consumers...most modern homes here in central europe have a 25A fuse for the whole household as a maximum...running the "fantastic" 150W class A amp at full, good luck with it's efficiency of less than 25%.😂

  • @riccitone
    @riccitone 9 месяцев назад +1

    This is so telling and much needed. After my system finally got to a point that the music was very engaging on most tracks I played, that final piece of the puzzle really was simply adding a switch to my ethernet chain, paired with a filter and a well made cat6a cable. It made a very big difference, and I'm glad to see that taking these steps are verified by John and Srajan. I feel validated (and not so much a complete audiophile nut)!

  • @JacquesFuchs
    @JacquesFuchs 7 месяцев назад

    One main quality factor in quality of class D amplifier is the switching frequency rate : the higher the better !

    • @ropeburn6684
      @ropeburn6684 3 месяца назад

      The other important part is the feedback circuit. This is the hardest part to get right, so the amplifier has zero load dependency and sounds the same no matter what it's driving.

  • @badgerdms
    @badgerdms 9 месяцев назад

    I own two GaNFET amplifiers--the AGD Audion Monoblocks and the Technics SU-R1000. They are both superb and compete against anything. Very much the future of Class D.

  • @michaelmarcin1003
    @michaelmarcin1003 9 месяцев назад +1

    I would be curious as to the age spread on the opinions about class D. There seems to be a number of opinions that extol the virtues of class D, but decide there is some vague feeling that turns them off after awhile. I'm older, 60+, and admit to a fear or prejudice against class D until I built my own amp with the Hypex nc-400 modules a few years ago. I have been converted and anytime I go back to my big Marantz (at the time) top of the line receiver or my vintage 1980 Yamaha integrated, I feel there is something missing and the comparison is not even close.
    To mitigate the rumored class D harshness, I also bought the Freya+ pre-amp. If you dial in the tubes, it does give a slightly smoother sound, but I find myself listening in solid state mode more often than in tube mode due to the better detail. I love the new class D and can't recall hearing a better a/b amp. Not sure I have really experienced true class A.
    Finally, I am a bit green, and the efficiency of class D should not be discounted.

  • @marcus1970
    @marcus1970 9 месяцев назад +3

    With my Parasound JC5 power amp I'm
    Class A/AB and love what itdoes because of how it sounds not because of how it works.
    Great conversation, more content like this please.

  • @buckaroobonsi555
    @buckaroobonsi555 8 месяцев назад

    The reason you do not see it much in home audio is that houses tend to have plenty of space so a large cabinet is not a problem. You say it often int he 1990's in car audio where space is limited in some applications. It allowed you to put say 4 inch drivers in the same space that would allow 1 15" subwoofer or 2 12" subwoofers for instance. Play with that as you will.

  • @Smokej620
    @Smokej620 9 месяцев назад

    Didn’t Elac first active speakers use class a/b amplification? Thanks again for putting out another video with Srajan. Keep you the great work!

  • @jikenj
    @jikenj 8 месяцев назад

    I've been a class A b user forever but when I got a great deal on a Peachtree Nova 150 I can honestly say it's as good in my opinion as anything a b in the past 20 years !

  • @Dutchamp
    @Dutchamp 9 месяцев назад

    Im vintage haha. Old school tube amplifiers in pre and poweramps two monoblocks working in Class AB push pull. At 23 watts with 91db speakers.
    All homemade. I have lend good a Class D amplifier. A Primare A35.2 power amplifier, i must say Class D today with this brand i was suppriced it was musical.
    But a more lifely musical from my tubes had more darkness where music is better placed. But overall for what is possible today with Class D it is wonderful. Little expensive too😏 nice video explanation about Class a a/b and d

  • @timothyfreeseha4056
    @timothyfreeseha4056 9 месяцев назад

    I wonder if Naim and Focal will use their version of class D to develop active Focals? I'm actually impressed, and I would agree that Naim developing a class D option in the hi end would/ does inspire confidence. Now, all I have to do combine my mid life crisis with a gazillion dollars!

  • @sonicyouth29
    @sonicyouth29 9 месяцев назад

    Because you switch at some certain frequency doesnt mean that the switching harmonics cannot be at higher frequencies. Switching harmonics of a PWM modulated converter is generally at mulitples of the switching frequencie and the corresponding sidebands.

    • @arfer1470
      @arfer1470 9 месяцев назад

      Exactly, because it is the speed of the rising and falling edges that create the very high harmonics. So an amplifier that switches at a "rate" of say 550KHz can generate harmonics up into the 10s of MHz.

  • @MikeFL52
    @MikeFL52 9 месяцев назад

    I have a pair of Classe Sigma monoblock amplifiers and they sound wonderful, transiently fast, but not lacking any warmth.

  • @VicariousAdventurer
    @VicariousAdventurer 9 месяцев назад

    Detect error - drop packet - retransmission of packet - latency, but with modern high speeds and buffering, even this should not be an issue at reasonable ranges.

  • @andrewbarton1538
    @andrewbarton1538 9 месяцев назад +1

    Another speaker brand, Audiovector from Denmark use an isobaric bass driver set up in their R6 and R8 Speakers, very neat use of technology !

    • @marcus1970
      @marcus1970 9 месяцев назад

      Much Audiovector love here.
      🇩🇰👌🏻

    • @andrewbarton1538
      @andrewbarton1538 9 месяцев назад

      @@marcus1970 just picked up a set of the new qr5 se.. almost broken in and sounding great !

  • @EricRhodeslives
    @EricRhodeslives 9 месяцев назад

    As an Electrical Engineer, I say Srajan is right!

  • @pmleclair63
    @pmleclair63 9 месяцев назад

    I would love to see you review the Def Tech D-11's. I just purchased a pair and I am absolutely pleased with them in every way but given that I value your opinion unlike any other, your review of these speakers is important given their value to sound quality proposition.

  • @rolandlickert2904
    @rolandlickert2904 9 месяцев назад +4

    I moved on over 55 years into HiFi had it all A, AB and Tube and now D and don't look back

  • @erikliterature8162
    @erikliterature8162 9 месяцев назад

    I believe the ELAC Adante AS-61speakers designed by Andrew Jones has a similar (not isobaric) type of double woofer construction. One is a passive radiator, though. That speaker apparently didn't measure very smooth.