Efficiency in 4 channel amps

[TheGreatJuice]

Im looking either at a full range digital class D amplifier with 80% efficiency or a class A/B with a 70% efficiency. Neither have much of a current draw towards my electrical but I just wanted to know how much of an actual difference in current draw there was.

[Guest]

class AB > class D for mids and highs. as far as current draw goes, it depends on the amps being compared.

[Skullz]

Throw efficiency out the window really, at this point in time class A/B still rules for stage amplification but class D is starting to make a charge in that direction now with a few high end companies making class D 2ch and 4ch amps.

EDIT: Efficiency is not so much about current draw as much as it is about the heat generated inside the amp with the different classes of amps.

Edited September 23, 2011 by Skullz

[Superjay]

Kranny, you and I normally agree on stuff...yes, for solid SQ AB wins. but modern class D full range amps sound very good, and most people won't notice a difference...MOST people. As far as efficiency goes...AB amps are most efficient at 80-95% power...running as high as 70%. usually they will be about 40% efficient. For the average joe I'd recommend the full range D just because he can get more power with a smaller footprint and will be just as happy with it.

[TheGreatJuice]

They're both made by the same company, RE Audio. I just didn't know if there was a difference in the quality. The specs are a little bit better on the Class A/B but the Digital Class D is more compact, as it can fit under a car seat.

[Superjay]

you won't notice the difference....really, you won't. go with what fits your build and budget, and don't worry about specs in this case

[TheGreatJuice]

Kranny, you and I normally agree on stuff...yes, for solid SQ AB wins. but modern class D full range amps sound very good, and most people won't notice a difference...MOST people. As far as efficiency goes...AB amps are most efficient at 80-95% power...running as high as 70%. usually they will be about 40% efficient. For the average joe I'd recommend the full range D just because he can get more power with a smaller footprint and will be just as happy with it.

You just answered my question considering I'm a huge audiophile haha. The A/B is alot cheaper anyway so that makes a huge difference.

[Superjay]

Cheap AB is bad...I haven't heard the RE but go LISTEN TO IT before you think you're buying an audiophile grade amplifier. it's not a Series III, I guarantee it...what kind of speakers are you using?

[TheGreatJuice]

It's not cheap but I found it cheaper. RE Audio (US Amps) IMO has a lot of clarity in they're amps. Both amps arenormally $300 but I found it for $88 on eBay new so it's fitting my budget more lol. I'm running Kicker KS65.2 components

[Guest]

Kranny, you and I normally agree on stuff...yes, for solid SQ AB wins. but modern class D full range amps sound very good, and most people won't notice a difference...MOST people. As far as efficiency goes...AB amps are most efficient at 80-95% power...running as high as 70%. usually they will be about 40% efficient. For the average joe I'd recommend the full range D just because he can get more power with a smaller footprint and will be just as happy with it.

i've never heard mids and highs running off of a class d (that i know of) so i cant speak directly about it. but ill trust your word, and the other guys, about it. disregard my post OP