Just so you know, this video is still helping people today. Best objective explanation I've heard. Thanks Gene!

@swizzy8735

2 ай бұрын

Agreed

@LoganRST

Ай бұрын

Helped me in 2024!

truly thankful for everything you've done Gene ..your expertise , passion has been very helpful

Excellent explanation of the difference in amplifiers. I’ll keep listening 👂

As a poor retiree I have settled for used gear. I lucked into winning an auction for the Adcom gfa-555 power amp and it made me realize that the Carver M-500 I'd been using for a couple of months desperately needed repair as it lacked both high and low freq. sound that the Adcom outputted quite well. Anyway, after getting my grubby mitts on a wonderful-sounding pair of ADS L810's, I thought about how their 94db efficiency would hold up with less power, so I hooked them up to the Emotiva a-100 Flex amp I'd been using for headphones, and the sound was every bit as good as the Adcom. All of this is in near-field so none of the amps were ever pushed very hard at all, but the 50wpc Emotiva has proven to be everything I could want for this desktop. Love the vids, Gene!

You got me chuckling on the "to be honest, if you're listeninig to it so loud, you don't have any hearing left to begin with" ...lol! Stellar one, as always. love the research there!

Thanks Gene. This is one of the best videos I've seen from you guys, and watched quite a few. Really helping rooks plan well, save, and avoid pitfalls. Maybe even inspiring taking courses at uni. Thanks for doing this.

Nicely explained and very lucid. I read somewhere that Hitachi had the licenses for class G, class H and magnetic field amps and licensed them to Soundcraftsmen and Carver respectively. I have a Hitachi class G receiver (SR-804) purchased in 1979 and still use it today. I keep it serviced and in good order. I find that it can be on for hours, sometimes eight hours and only gets barely warm to the touch. Sound is clean, clear almost crisp. I found the cost (in 1979) of this receiver very compatible with other similar powered brands. It cost me $340 in 1979.

Thanks Gene, I am trying to absorb as much of this info to make the next and hopefully final system build to carry me through retirement. My current amp is ATI 6002 amp, with Anthem 720 mrx reciever and Martin Logan Theos. I am trying to get as much research under my belt to make good decisions, especially now looking at the discussions between tubes vs solid state and how tubes sound better (opinions vary). So I was kicking the idea around about Bob Carver's 350 Mono Tubes. All the articles and peoples opinion have not helped me make a decision. I really want to hear the RBH SVTS speakers and then build the system backwards from those speakers if they are as good as everyone says. Of course then the issue is mono block or 2-channel amp. I foresee myself purchasing some of your consulting time as I get closer. Many thanks for what you do and Happy New Year!

Nice feature on types of amps! Very understandable as I have class a & ab & d class car amps and also own pioneer"s 7 channel surround. Thanks!

As always, great info Gene, thanks for sharing. I never considered class D amps before now but maybe I"ll check them out due to your findings. Keep the great videos coming!

Great video good explanation. My first amp was a Yamaha CA1010 integrated amp, it sounded great. Then i got a NAD 3020 that also sounded great sadly it went up in smoke one night. Now I have a NAD Viso1 bluetooth speaker and it sounds fantastic. I know what a good system sounds like I built my own speakers for one set i used Phillips drivers with a 12inch woofer mid and tweeter. For my 2nd set i used an Electro Voice 15inch woofer with a horn tweeter. I used to place the Phillips speakers on top of the EV speakers and drive all 4 speakers with that Yamaha amp it played very loud would blow your hair back. I don't listen at those levels these days but that NAD Viso1 speaker can play very loudly indeed it has PSB speakers in it and is very accurate and dynamic, if you have not heard one of these you should check them out. They have to be considered the best value in audiophile sound, you will be impressed.

Hi Gene. Awesome video as always. Currently using Emotiva Gen 3, 3 channel. So far am impressed with the output. Usually listen to lots of stereo music for hours and when I touch it it's still cold to the touch. Makes me wonder sometimes if it's really working but am sure it is. Cheers. David.

Great video. I've learned a ton from this. Thanks!

Gene, What are your thoughts regarding the Crown XLS Amplifiers for Home Theater....

Love your videos and knowledge. I am trying to make the jump from AVRs to separates. I am looking at the ATI 527NC and then use my Denon X7200WA as a preamp for now.

best source of reliable information in the entire audiophile world

one of the best multi-channel class D amplifiers ever made (at a reasonable price at least) was the Sherwood A-965, it was a 7 channel beast that pushed 7 channels at 100 watts each, and tests showed it was clean up to 120 watts, and driving two channels could push as high as 160 watts at 8-ohms. I wish I had one, they have become a rare find in recent years.

Still loving my Krell KSA 50, just love it.

Thanks, good and useful information!

Extremely well explained. I have a class A Tube EL34 2 x 12 Watts single-ended running in ultra-linear with a Tube preamp, a Technics 2 x 55 watts class A and a Sony 2 x 50 watts class AB and use a home built 1/4 wavelength 14feet transmission pipe floor standing enclosures running duel concentric 61/2 inch drivers with 25% of the spider removed for greater compliance and efficiency and at 8ohms with balanced passive crossover and Zobel network with 25-30Hz (dependant on room placement) to 20Khz response. By a long way, the Tube amp has far more control and with an HD source is breathtaking! So much more harmonic detail and presence and the image is stunning with depth and can 'feel' the music. I think the trade-off of less efficiency is worth the results. All achieved with a low budget in mind and 100s of hours of effort.

Awesome... thanks for the detailed summary!

This information is so useful for beginners. Thank you.

Great information! I currently have a pionneer sc 2023 class D for home usage. Do you think it has a good output filter has you explained? Or is it any good?

Fantastic content gene. Exactly the video I was looking for

Nice explanations,Gene. By the way what do you think about Anthem amps? Especially MCA325?

I changed from Class A and Class AB to Class D amp two years ago. First is that the heat is not a problem at all with Class D, esp since I live in Florida! The Class D sounds great! This presentation is excellent and would rec it to all for a good clear rep of the different types of amps available.

Hi Gene, I am planning to purchase an AVR and considering the Denon AVRX4500H or Marantz SR6013. I am setting up my new house for Dolby ATMOS (5.2.4) and would be using my AVR for Movies/Music. I have not in person heard the quality of their sound output as I couldn't find any demo showrooms in the place I currently live. So I am banking on the internet reviews and make the purchase online. That's how I mostly do shopping and It works for me. If I have to decide between the two brands, which one would be better purchase for sound quality? My living room is about 12x10 sqft and I wouldn't drive them too loud. If not between these two brands, do you suggest something better in the same price band? What type and brand of speakers to go for (bang for the buck vs no budget constrains)? Please share your thoughts. Thank you for putting out such a wonderful and informative video on sound engineering.

I enjoy the no BS approach to this channel.

Outlaw 2200's driving my Polk LSiM on Denon Pre-Outs. Sounds fantastic!

Great video! I have Rowland 925 monoblocks with Rowland Coherence II preamp, KEF Blades, Esoteric X03 SACD, Rega P10 table and Clear Audio Balance+ phono stage. An almost fully-balanced system. Audio heaven!

Very informative. Could you do one on hypex ucd102 ? I heard that nad d3020 employs this for output stage

Hi Gene. Thank you for all of the videos. You're awesome. I have champaign taste and a beer budget. I would love to own a really good amplifier, but can't afford one. Would you consider doing a DIY video on to how build your own amp that can power... say... 11 speakers and has all of the inputs for your home theater? Thanks again!

What do you think of the Emotiva DR line compared to the XPR series?

Really interesting - I came here to understand more about the class A tube amps in vintage guitar amps, as opposed to the solid state amps in newer models.

@rbrown2925

4 жыл бұрын

This may be old news but just in case: don’t forget that guitar amps are purposely designed to have distortion to color the sound, unlike receiver and stereo amps which are trying to provide pure signal amplification. So, someone has to design “nice” distortion into solid state amps whereas either it occurs more naturally in tube amps.

Thanks very much for the reply and your excellent videos!

"..you're basically using a space heater." That is hilarious. Great video. I love your channel.

@pimpmyskin

2 жыл бұрын

I know a guy here in Sweden that help heat up the warm water in the house with his home built Nelson Pass Class A amp and the water also cools the amp so Win Win for everyone.

@markrigg6623

2 жыл бұрын

I literally used my A class Yamaha as a heater in my small bedroom.

@stevengagnon4777

Жыл бұрын

@@pimpmyskin excellent solution good for all seasons because a space heater is generally not good in the summer unless you are in a cold basement.

Great presentation. I use to wonder why I needed to learn sine and cosine in Math class. How would you review the Bel Canto c5i as Class D design? Is this model more digital mode or analog?

Thanks for such helpfull tutorial ... Specially at 2 AM (by looking at your desktop clock :D)

Great video finally something I can understand.

Excellent video, thank you.Iv'e got a Pioneer Sa 8800 amp which I really like.Apparently it's a non switching amp,well that's what Pioneer call it.Does that mean it's class A??

How about Crown class I have you looked at those yet? I have the XTI 2002 and love it.

Very comprehensive! Thank you so much!

Enlightening, thanks!

Very well presented!

Very informative and good insights. Btw have you reviewd NAD masters 7 channel power amp class D yet. If so pl l share the link. Thanks a lot.

Wow...awesome info and now I want to see what's evolved since you did this video 2 years ago+.

Very informative. Thanks.

Hi Gene I'm look to find out what would be the best approach between a power amp like Outlaw 5000 or a Monolith 7X200 watts with an AV receiver like the Denon AVR-X4400H or go with a Preamp processor and a Power amp for a small dedicated room of about 14X9. I intend to use it for home theater of 5.2.4 speakers for starter and maybe add more speakers in the future(not search). Thanks I like your video and your articles, they are really good.

I currently use a Crown XLS1002 Class D amp - a professional amp. I heard many good things about it through the grapevine, especially about how "neutral" it sounds. I'm an old audio tweak who started in the 1970s. I've worked at Radio Shack and also Best Buy among my many retail audio experiences. The old "guiding principle" was straight-wire-with-gain. The best stuff was equipment that got out of the way, letting you get into the presence of the original recording. For years I used an SAE power amp that was reputed to be more neutral than any made at the time. (Mine was made in 1975.) I found that (after break-in!) the Crown was even more open and neutral. I use a Carver C-9 Sonic Hologram Generator with it, and I am getting imaging and presence that eliminates the need for surround or other multi-channel. Gene, if you haven't taken a couple of hours to listen to these Crown XLS DriveCore2 amps, you're missing out. Oh, and it's ice cold, even after 8+ hours of use - the fan has never turned on.

I stumbled on this video, and Im glad I did. I have a pair of Infinity Kappa 8s, from about 1989. I currently drive them with a Denon POA 2800, and yes, the amp turns into a heat radiator. What would be a proper alternative to the Denon amp? I love the speakers, they are outstanding for what they are.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF QSC GX5 AMP AS A SUBWOOFER AMP FOR HOMETHEATER..?GREAT VIDEO

I am using a NAD T785 receiver, maybe you can tell me what class amp it uses? Great video Cheers

Beautiful explanation for a beginner. People always crazy on 1000w 20000w kind of figures. This tutorial cracks down the myth

I had a pioneer sc 35. Beast of a amp. Very efficient and it drive all my 7 channels simultaneously with no problem. Amp didn't get as hot as other typical av receivers. Audio was in my experience superb. I use 8 to 4 ohms speakers with ease. Unfortunately its life ended because I had a bunch of toddlers who thought my amp was yogurt approve.

I have gone from a heavy yamaha integrated amp to a smsl ad18, my power bill came down, and the sound is like removing another grill from the speakers, to me it's awesome. going from cinch to usb for the signal helped too i suppose.

I have a Pioneer Elite SC-05 and a SC-99. Amy feedback on the class D amps in those two AV Receivers?

I'm running a class A/B Denon AVR -2307CI and using it in a 2 Chanel system. I'm doing this because the amplifier is good, but a few of the digital inputs have gone out. I'd like to upgrade to a tube preamp (Schiit Saga) with a Crown XLS, XTI or XLI class d amplifier because of their reputation and you get so much power for the money, but I am not willing to sacrifice on sound quality. What do you recommend? Speakers are ELAC UB-5 Slims.

Thanks for the video, would please provide a recommendation of two amplifiers for each category that you mentioned. I think that would be extremely helpful.

@daveb5041

4 жыл бұрын

Crosley, Sherwood, realistic, RCA, oh wait those are all terrible brands unless you like distortion. Why don't you just look at the specs or the best way listen to them, your ears don't hear data printouts and specs.

@martybrozek7973

4 жыл бұрын

@@daveb5041 realistic haven't heard that brand in a long time brings back memories of the old RadioShack stores. 🙄

Hey Gene, Egg cooker here. As an engineer and audiophile, I use a combination of internal amp channels and separates to power my 5.2.2 system. Class D is coming along but fails to provide the dynamic headroom therefore requiring over spec'd power requirements. Also the effect of switching noise coupling into source paths concerns me and I see no testing of it. I agree class A is bit much for anything high power and more than 2 channels, However, for my main channels I always use a good class A/B separate amp. Current system: 5.2.2- Legacy Whispers FL FR Center, Driven by Adcom 550's : Celestion F30 Surrounds, Just added height channels to front with cheap BIC bookshelves , Yamaha TSR-7810 AVR. Next Upgrade: 5 Channels of class A/B tube power amplification. Dynaco MkIII's fronts, Craftsmen monoblock center, Dynaco ST70 for Surrounds. All are being rebuilt/designed with upgraded power supply boards and caps. Distortion specs acknowledged, there is no power sag and the dynamic tonal quality of these amps in my opinion is better than all but very high end AVR and most separates. The All 5 channels run Listen well.

@AFlyingCookieLOL

4 жыл бұрын

How the heck does class d fail in dynamic headroom? =/

Hi, would love to know what your thoughts are on a Yamaha M80 amp ?.

Very interesting, I was using my dad’s old Carver Amp and preamp but it needs taking into the repair shop to get it looked at. The preamp is a Carver Model C-1 High Fidelity Control Console Sonic Holography Preamplifier has sonic hologram processing technology for a 3D sound stage. The amp is a Carver Model M-1.5t Magnetic Field Power Amplifier High Headroom Low Feedback Power Amplifier with 350 watts per channel RMS Class A. It doesn’t have transformers in it and it’s smaller than a VHS/DVD combo player and weighs half as much and has not one switch or dial on the whole thing including an on off switch,you have to turn it on and off at the wall, it has an LED power indicator and 2 columns of LEDs to indicate the power output of the speakers once you turn the volume past half way on the preamp. The LEDs rise higher as you turn the volume up until the top 2 start flashing and if you leave it too high for too long it will trip out the speaker protection because they are being overheated, not because the amp is pushed too hard and there’s next to no distortion at that level either! You can hook up a lot of speakers to the one amp and it will just be adding more sound output to the listening room the more speakers you add until you blow the fuse at which stage you get a bigger fuse and you blow that fuse then you may want to turn it down a bit because your whole neighbourhood pushed out of their house lol! We used to have 4 large old school speakers hooked up 2 Realistic 160 watts each and 2 made up boxes adding to 230 watts each and with all 4 going they would be so loud but still clear.

@marianneoelund2940

4 жыл бұрын

The Carver M-1.5t is class H, not class A.

Again.... thank you for the info.

Thanks for this video very good info!!!

Jene, I want to ask about the Class B amplifier cause I own one. That Denon DVR-2802, its a Class-B amp 7.1 channel. But i am running 5.1 channels on it. Some Old models front speakers like AKAI SW-302 (Modified crossovers & tweeters). I had marrantz Class A amp and it really sounds something like I've never heard before. It never matched with my speakers :(

Excellent information.

Been slamming a Fosgate T500-bdCP at 1-ohm for five years now. Love the constant power capabilities & being able to internally drop load. Two 12" two-ohm subs ... Wired in & it can auto-switch to 1-ohm. Car audio ... solid electrical. The new classes available to us, especially in car audio, has made all the difference. PS: Yeah, my Fi Audio subs are WAAAAAY underpowered.

Is that Protel/Altium schematic of the XPR-1 available somewhere? That was def. done in Altium or Protel...

I run the Rotel RMB1555 , what reviewing have you done on my amp?

Peachtree audio a220 class d amplifier....what are your thoughts on these? I have 3 in a home theater set up...am I cheating myself of better sound quality?

Excellent video. I love HiFi, and OldFi, but I work in pro-audio; have you happened to look into the pro-tech market lately such as Lab.Gruppen, and the insane compact multi-channel designs of Powersoft? It's getting pretty impressive over here, I'd be interested to know your thoughts.

As usual, excellent Informative videos !! If your ever in NYC "queens area"for any reason I would bring you my 2 yamaha , 2 channel amplifiers with class H topology for testing if your intrested. Models p3500s, and p7000s using in my home theater. The p7000s powers my 2 ultimax sealed 15" subs and my p3500s powers my mains RF-7ii fed by my yamaha rx-a3080 avr. Loving this setup and would love to know what you think of these professional amplifiers!! And please keep up the excellent work! We love what you guys do👍👍

Any views on class d used on crown xls series drive core amps? Hows their class d design?

Terrific presentation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thx

Gene, you're right when it comes to receivers, nowadays, we're talking about 7 to 11 channels of surround sounds, opposed to 5 channels. I rather have quality than features, but with that said, I've purchased a Pioneer Elite VSX-LX301 receiver, from Magnolia, section from Best Buy, about two years ago. I liked the performance it gives with two sets of Definity Technology PC-600 (5.2) and later (7.2) if I have the space for it. It may not have all those bells & whistles, but it gets the job done. Buy any chance did you get to bench test the VSX-LX301, if so what was the results?

My pioneer sc55 is a class D3 amp and boy its great on 9.2 i never ever crank my volume maybe a little over halfway and its too load...i just bought a fan kit for it to keep cool cause i have it enclosed now for 10 year's and im afraid its going to go out,but thinking of finding a good amp to biamp it with and just use it for processing...good video keep up the good work.

@dealzguyYT

4 жыл бұрын

Have the next version SC65 and it is absolutely amazing. Never went about -25 volume level from reference 0

I'm using the b&w 300 series speakers. The front towers are rated at 120w and centre plus two rear at 100w, so 5.1. What do you recommend i use to run them? I currently use a 100w onkyo from the turn of the millennium, it only works well when you have the volume way up at ear bleeding volume. I'm looking to upgrad/future proof my system with the ps5 next gen consoles coming out at the end of the year, that are said to have incredible intelligent surround sound. I was thinking of getting a marantz sr7013 A/V receiver rated at 125w, until i sore your video on understanding av power ratings. While i learnt allot i'm probably more confused than ever. What do you recommend i use???

Hi Gene, I’m running a Pass Labs XA-30.8. It provides 61 Watts of pure class A regardless of impedance. After that it goes in class A/B. I use it with a pair of 100db efficient Klipsch towers. They were the top of the line Klipsch in 2006. Together they provide plenty of oomph. I’ve had the Pass for just over a year. The Klipsch never sounded so good!

@Audioholics

5 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a great combo. Congrats.

I love geeking out. Thanks

Very informative ! Thank you ! 10/10

hey Gene I have a 6 month old Cambridge Azur 851 A Integrated Amp it's fine. I have a PS Audio Stellar pre-amp/dac hooked to it. However, I gotten intrigued lately with Jeff Rowland amp have a chance to pick up a 525 Amp (class D) vs. the x/t(A/b ) in the Cambridge. Which to think is better and more importantly better sounding and clarity? Would it be worth the $2,400 or diminishing returns ?

I will soon be using a Yamaha AX-930 integrated amp. Where does that fall in the scheme of things re amp class? Thanks.

Thank you, extremely interesting....

Great video and education. I purchased way back Hitachi high end amp. Was class H model HA-7700. Had huge transformers for each channel. But could never get good bass off it? Tried a lot of speakers and different impedance's and bass was really not there. Is that part of a class H. This was back in late 70's to early 80's.

Nice job in layman's terms.....i like u using real world brand and model examples and your added insight was extremely helpful, especially as technology improves. Than you!

@johndope6183

4 жыл бұрын

He used a receiver outside its rated impedance load, then critiqued it. ICE amps were not designed for 4ohm load. Home audio is typically 8 ohm. Notice the Pioneer with ICEamps had no issues at 8ohm ... Tech manual even explains what its rated for. Edit: Referring to a nominal load of course.

Wow what world of info. Wonder if my yamaha rvx890 is any good? Got it new in 1998-9. Thanks for the update of knowledge brother.

speaking of class d do you have any test for the linn 85 please. regards.

Denon 3600H is my new amp to buy, what type of amp is it?

Hi, if there is no transformer used, can we say it's class D amp like in my LG BH 6340H blu ray home theatre when I opened to see what's inside in it. I also got SONY str dn1080 with wharfedale speakers & I like the sound of both. Thx

Great refresher, I've always thought of bias as an applied voltage. How do you define it in order to justify your narrative? Thanks so much for taking the time and just enough post production - class-eh - as we say in Canada.

@marianneoelund2940

4 жыл бұрын

Bias can be either an added voltage, or an added current. In power amplifier output stages, it refers to the amount of quiescent current which the output devices conduct with no signal present, and also the way in which that current is modulated as signal is applied. There is an infinite number of degrees and variations, and the distinction between classes isn't always clear. That is especially true when you consider the measures that designers take to handle reactive loads, and add over-current protection to the output stage.

@gboates

4 жыл бұрын

Marianne Oelund thanks for the explanation - i can see how the definitions grew. My electronics design education was early digital . Things change!

I use a Sony proprietary S Master Digital amplifier, so am i using the best in class or is it just another technical jargon, as they claim with the S-Master digital amplifier, a simplified, full digital signal path, the S-Master amplifier reproduces digital audio signals without the multiple analogue stages required by conventional amplifiers. The result is not just more power, but significantly less distortion from heat build-up.

Thank you.

what kind of implementation is my nad t758 v3 using?

I have a Proton D1200...I *think* it uses a variation of a Class G amp. They called it "DPD," "Dynamic Power on Demand." Rated at a conservative 100W per channel, they typically had about 7.7 dB of headroom.

Good info. Thanks.

I have two bridged Primare A34.2 to my 2 main-speakers and a Primare A30.7 to my center and surround channels and they are Class D amplifiers.

HI There Gene and All, can you help me please? I am wanting to upgrade my system to something extremely good quality and powerful. Currently I am running a Sugden A21 class A amplifier with Celef three-way speakers (I believe that company became the modern day Proac) I am keen to get a really very good, Maybe a good modern Class D Amp, hopefully not the most expensive one on the planet; but one definitely up to the job of bringing the best out of the Arendal 1723 monitors or even the towers. Also of course happy to hear any other recommendations of reasonably priced good quality speakers? Thanks in advance Kestrel.

Did buy sony str-va555es for running my hometheater. Quite sure it is A/B by the mass of it (24kg says on the box). Just loving how it sounds on stereo mode. Earlier I had some cheaper start of the line sony hometheater amp and the difference in the sound is like night and day.

Could you elaborate a little on a class H amplifier

Thanks for the video - I have a Yamaha A-S3000 integrated 2 channel amp. I guess it might be class A/B, however I have never seen anyone describe what amplifier class it is. Is there a way of figuring out what type it is? Thanks

@Audioholics

5 жыл бұрын

Yes it's class AB. You can tell by the linear power supply and large heatsinks. Also, most of Yamaha's receivers and integrated amps are still class AB and very good designs at that.

Just doubled my knowledge on amps with this video.