Google AMP has come under scrutiny as an attempt by them to exert influence over how the web evolves and is used by sites. By forking HTML pages into AMP pages and giving these preferential search rankings, they can exert power over how websites are built and monetized.
AMP provides many advantages, from speed improvements and reduced server burden, to giving mobile users access to all of a website’s content.
Class A
When browsing amplifier ads online and in print, the term class A amp can often be seen. But what exactly does that indicate about their sound qualities? Unfortunately, as it turns out, this term can often be misleading.
Class A output circuit topologie is commonly found in power amplifiers for its high fidelity, linearity and ability to faithfully reproduce input signal as output. Furthermore, this method doesn’t need a negative feedback loop to reduce distortion; however, its profound inefficiency consumes power even when no signal is present and hence these amplifiers tend to be large, heavy and expensive – often found only within audiophile hi-fi world.
To achieve true class A operation, output transistors must always remain active; hence why most amps that classify as class A aren’t fully pure class A. Instead they use single-ended designs – although less efficient compared to push/pull designs – that ensure their devices remain constantly active preventing switching on/off cycles which would otherwise cause distortion to their signal.
Of course, many classic tube amplifiers – such as 1950s-style Fender Deluxe amps with tweed cover, Vox AC30s and most Gibson GA-8s) and modern and reissue tube guitar amps such as the Pass Labs XA30.8 are classified as class A amplifiers.
Of course, many other factors contribute to the unique sound of each amplifier besides just its label: power supply, tube selection and overall design all play a part. Therefore, don’t make snap judgements solely based on whether an amp has been labeled class A or not; take time playing each one and deciding how it sounds to your ears and the music that interests you!
Class B
Class B amplifiers employ complementary pairs of transistors that alternately conduct each half of an input waveform, before summarizing both halves at the amplifier output to reconstruct its entirety. This approach offers several advantages over class A designs; in particular it reduces crossover distortion without sacrificing efficiency (typically around 78%).
Although class B amplifiers have numerous advantages over class A amps in terms of sound quality, some audiophiles still prefer class A amps due to their unique sonic attributes – including greater clarity, transparency and vocal timbre, as well as greater instrument tonality and an immersive soundstage. Of course, other factors such as its operating class also impact how an amp sounds.
One of the primary concerns with class B amplifiers is crossover distortion, which occurs as transistors switch from conducting positive to negative parts of a signal. To reduce crossover distortion effectively, add small voltage sources that bias both transistors above their cutoff points; however, this adds expense and complexity to the circuit and can introduce other types of distortion.
Alternative techniques such as complementary symmetry may also be effective at minimizing crossover distortion, by mitigating its effects during state transitions between on and off states. Unfortunately, however, this solution requires more complex implementation than simply adding two small voltage sources, so most class B amplifiers do not utilize this approach.
Both approaches can be enhanced using more sophisticated power supply circuits. These circuits use rail switching or rail modulation to vary the output voltage of transistors, improving their efficiency while decreasing noise emissions. While more complex and costly than their simpler counterparts, such power supplies offer much higher efficiencies than standard class A or B amplifiers.
These amplifiers boast excellent energy efficiencies and produce less heat than their counterparts, thus reducing the amount of energy that must be converted to electrical current for operation and ultimately leading to smaller, lighter amps with reduced heatsink requirements. Due to these factors, these models make ideal compact portable amplifiers.
Class D
Class D amplifiers offer many advantages over more costly class A or class AB models, including being energy efficient and running cooler than their counterparts, making them an excellent choice for limited spaces such as those looking for turntable amplifiers with lower wattages. Furthermore, their use requires less power consumption while producing significantly less heat emissions – saving both money and extending battery life!
Keep in mind that although these amps are more economical, they still produce noise and distortion due to how their transistors turn on and off – this means they shouldn’t be recommended for high-end audio systems.
Bel Canto has altered our perception of class-D amplifiers with their Black EX Integrated Amplifier (click to check price at Dedicated Audio), proving digital technology can deliver incredible audiophile sound at an unbeatably reduced cost compared to traditional models.
If you’re considering installing a class D amp into your car audio system, we highly suggest exploring two outstanding amplifiers – Alpine KTA-450D (link to see current price at Amazon) and Rockford Fosgate R3400D. Both of these amplifiers provide 50W per channel x 4 channels of powerful yet balanced sound for speakers and subwoofers alike.
Both models boast excellent user reviews and offer multiple connectivity options that can accommodate virtually any stereo setup. USB, coaxial and optical inputs let you connect digital devices like an AV receiver or turntable while RCA inputs support any conventional analog sources like CD players or radios.
When purchasing an amplifier, there are numerous aspects to keep in mind, including its type and size. Our team of experts are here to assist in selecting the ideal model for you – please feel free to reach out if any queries arise!
Powered Subwoofers
Powered subwoofers can add some additional bass to your car stereo or aftermarket system, adding depth and quality. They may not provide earthshaking sound quality but still can give an enjoyable boost of bass that enhances music listening experience.
Powered subwoofers offer an easier option for those without enough room in their vehicle to accommodate separate subwoofer amplifiers and speakers, offering their own built-in amplifiers encased within speaker enclosures. They’re great when space is at a premium.
When choosing a powered subwoofer, it is important to take both your musical tastes and budget into consideration. If you listen to hard rock or hip hop music, a larger ported design with deeper bass might be appropriate while soft music fans might opt for something smaller such as sealed design.
Power handling should also be taken into consideration when buying a powered subwoofer, as this will determine how loudly and without distortion you can play your music without damaging or blowing out the speaker. Caution should be exercised not to exceed its maximum power output listed for it as this could damage or blow out the subwoofer altogether. RMS (root mean square) power output provides more insight into a subwoofer’s quality as it shows how much it produces at an even rate over time.
Just as with other speaker hardware, the type of cone that a powered subwoofer uses will affect its sound. While some manufacturers opt for traditional paper cones, others may prefer more modern materials like polypropylene. Some even employ both materials together in order to ensure their products last as long as possible.
Most powered subwoofers feature basic controls like volume, phase and crossover settings on their back panel, but some models take it a step further by offering an app which enables on-the-fly adjustments of volume phase and crossover settings – perfect for customizing to any vehicle audio setup as well as saving preset sound settings or testing out different EQ settings without needing to reach over from behind your vehicle!