Frequently asked questions about amplifiers and speakers, how to pair them, advantages and disadvantages of each type, etc
Yes, transistors can be replaced in almost all cases, with excellent results when done correctly. As with anything technical, though, the devil is in the details, and people often get these details wrong. Part of the art of repairing electronics involves understanding what replacement parts are optimal in various scenarios and how to select the […]
Can transistors in my vintage amplifier be replaced? Read More »
Class A is the gold standard and always used where cost is not a factor. Based purely on performance and sonics, the highest-fidelity amplifier design is class A. Speaker sensitivity, combined with your amplifier’s power output, determines the system dynamic range, an important consideration not to be overlooked though. No Compromise Nothing sounds better than
For hi-fi purposes, none. Class B is often used for radiofrequency broadcast amplifiers, where high power and low spurious RF emissions (sorry, no class-D in radio!) make it a great choice. On its own though, class B suffers from relatively high (crossover) distortion and is unsuitable for audio for that reason. Combined with a little
The critical advantage of class A topology is superlative sonic performance. Basics Class A amplifiers deliver the smoothest, most euphonic sonic performance. That’s why class A is used in high-end designs despite its shortcomings and why the very best amplifiers are class A, where cost is no object. The best class A amplifiers are MOSFET
Class D offers advantages in efficiency, size and cost, allowing a proliferation of small, powerful and cheap amplifiers. Pros & Cons High power and low cost are desirable amplifier traits and help explain the popularity of class D amplifiers in the low-cost, high-value sectors of the market. Class D delivers very high efficiency compared to
It depends on the system, sometimes yes, usually no. The sound pressure levels achievable with a hi-fi system come down to two parameters: amplifier power output and speaker sensitivity. Low-power amplifiers can create realistic sound pressures and dynamics, but only when partnered with sensitive speakers. This all comes down to simple physics. A 20W or
Are low-power amplifiers acceptable in hi-fi systems? Read More »
