Amplifier classifications (class A, A/B, H, D). Basic information on audio amplifiers.

A quick video covering the basics of amplifier classifications. Over the years, we have received some questions on our videos about what class of amplification we use and why we use what we do; hopefully this video will help answer some of those questions.
There is a lot of information available over the internet and KZbin for learning more about amplifier classifications.

[@acordesverdes]

I really loved the video, lots of questions and issues I had in my head for a long time and you answered in minutes. I am a fan of the Class D amps, starting for the weight and the amount of power delivered. Thanks for the video. Joe in Brazil

[@stageleftaudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johnmcquay82]

I'm certainly a fan of Class D amplifiers; more modern ones sound great and their power to weight ratio is phenomenal. When I first shifted to Class D, I was amazed at having 1KW in 1U; and bought four of them...I still use them today for monitors or for FOH in smaller events. You don't have to look far to get 10KW in 1U these days, which to me is astonishing.

[@stageleftaudio]

A lot has changed!

[@MrMotoden]

In the late 80's I got rid of my Peavey CS amps in favor of Carver PM 2.0t amps. Not sure what "class" amp they were considered, if any, but they were the first light weight amp that I know of. I know of the negative commentary they had, but I used them for years on literally hundreds of jobs without a problem. I ran them at 8 ohms. They made ~1000 watts and my back loved the fact they were only 11 lbs.

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment! Yes, the Carver PM series amps were excellent!

[@TalentLe8159]

Class D is my crown XLS1002 and very efficient amp and a QSC PLX3402 is class H and I like my amps and nice for my use and I used to be on class A/B then I slowly moved to class H and then go on Class D

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, the XLS1002 are efficient amps. Thanks for your comment.

[@Nahum17good]

Well explained. Thanks for sharing this.

[@iplaywithsticks6194]

Good info and recap. Thank you for doing!

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment.

[@ELSSAUDIOELECTRONICS]

i used trio 1500g vintage amp,class a and i upgrade the power supply and power transistors so that i can use in outdoor event for midhigh and class ab diy qsc rmx 1450 for sub..i used it in more than ten years till now,it works fine even if its very hot in continues loud music. I dont have much money to buy class d amps even if i needed them. From the philipines

[@stageleftaudio]

It is common for class a/b amps to still be in use, especially for subs.

[@ELSSAUDIOELECTRONICS]

@@stageleftaudio yes sir it's common specially if we have no choice,😂

[@megaentertainment2722]

I am fan of you from India, Assam. very knowledgeable video

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks and welcome!

[@StereoAnthony]

ok, but what about sound quality differences?

[@stageleftaudio]

For live sound, all the amplifiers (except for Class A) sound the same. In the many years of using all these amp classes, the biggest sound quality differences comes from the speakers.

[@makstaz79]

Love the crown macro tech 9000i amps. I just wish the physical build quality was better. The knobs are made from cheap plastic, and the chassis is soft.

[@stageleftaudio]

The build quality is different than the original MA line. The production for their amplifiers is (I think) in Mexico as of a few years ago. Production used to be in the US. However, with computer connectivity to the amps, I think many manufactures are moving away from providing top-quality physical controls to manage their amps... when it can now be done through a computer. The chassis' on our amps seem rather solid (like the original MA-2400/3600 series). Can you describe the "soft" chassis? Does the chassis feel "lose"?

[@makstaz79]

@@stageleftaudio Chassis doesn't feel loose but you could bend the tail section for the mounting brackets at the back with very little effort. The xti amps are cheaper but the build quality is much better. That's my only issue with those amps but they sound amazing

[@stageleftaudio]

Ah ok, I know what you mean about the rear supports. We have that same issue with PDUs and rack drawers we use. It would be nice if Crown had kept their original design. Thanks for the follow up.

[@samisaac3908]

Do you know about Wharfedale amplifier mp2800? What class would you rate Wharfedale amplifier mp2800?

[@stageleftaudio]

The MP2800 is a Class H.

[@gurudattabeura6738]

Hello I'm From India.. can i use any other company's speaker or subwoofer in Crown I-Tech 12000HD Or Lab Gruppen FP14000 amplifier?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, as long as the speaker can handle the power.

[@johndyson4109]

I have 4-RPA-16's from ROCKVILLE class H.. 1.4 K @ 4-ohms. per-side... I can do 3000+ watts each bridged. 47lbs. each. 10-12,000 watts at 188-lbs.. $400 for each unit...Great price! My setup is in a 12X15 foot room.. Class D sucks.. looks swell light weight but made by MATTEL! Class D amps. are powerful but sound STERILE!! WATTS used to represent an amplifier is Ludacris.. Don't be a WIMP ..oh the class D is lighter so I don't have to pucker my ass mussell to set it up!

[@stageleftaudio]

Not bad!