The Arcam AVR600 is a class G amplifier.
Class G
The Class G topology is a modification of another
Class of amplifier (normally Class B or Class AB)
to increase efficiency and reduce power dissipation.
Class G takes advantage of the fact that musical and
voice signals have a high crest factor with most of
the signal content at lower amplitudes. The Class
G topology uses multiple power supplies, operating
from the power rail that provides the optimum
combination of headroom and power dissipation.
Th e Class G topology improves amplifier efficiency
by optimizing the power supply. A Class G device
uses a minimum of two different supply rails. Th e
device operates from the lower supply until output
headroom becomes an issue. At this point the device
switches the output stage to the higher supply
rail. Once the output signal drops below a predetermined
level, the device switches back to the
lower rail. Power dissipation is greatly reduced for
typical musical or voice sources. Figure 3 illustrates
a simplified Class G implementation with a split
supply Class AB output stage.
I am currently using an AVR600 in my home system and have nothing but praise for it. Outstanding sound superior to most anything else I have heard for HT including Classe` and other high end HT receivers.
In 2 channel mode using Dali helicon line of speakers it sounds remarkably good. Although it is difficult to set up a system that sounds good for both HT and 2 channel. This will be a challenge especially with a projector you will need a retractable screen for 2 channel. So unless you need one system to do both which I recommend against I would think the need for Class A amps in a HT are not necessary.
The need for 7.1 seems to be overrated since so few BD discs are actual 7.1 and 95% of the time you will be listening in 5.1 EX. I have to admit there is a huge difference between the 2 and if more discs were supplied in 7.1 I would say spend the extra on the speakers . For now you might consider wiring your room for 7.1 and seeing what happens in the future of these discs if more 7.1 content is released.
Class G
The Class G topology is a modification of another
Class of amplifier (normally Class B or Class AB)
to increase efficiency and reduce power dissipation.
Class G takes advantage of the fact that musical and
voice signals have a high crest factor with most of
the signal content at lower amplitudes. The Class
G topology uses multiple power supplies, operating
from the power rail that provides the optimum
combination of headroom and power dissipation.
Th e Class G topology improves amplifier efficiency
by optimizing the power supply. A Class G device
uses a minimum of two different supply rails. Th e
device operates from the lower supply until output
headroom becomes an issue. At this point the device
switches the output stage to the higher supply
rail. Once the output signal drops below a predetermined
level, the device switches back to the
lower rail. Power dissipation is greatly reduced for
typical musical or voice sources. Figure 3 illustrates
a simplified Class G implementation with a split
supply Class AB output stage.
I am currently using an AVR600 in my home system and have nothing but praise for it. Outstanding sound superior to most anything else I have heard for HT including Classe` and other high end HT receivers.
In 2 channel mode using Dali helicon line of speakers it sounds remarkably good. Although it is difficult to set up a system that sounds good for both HT and 2 channel. This will be a challenge especially with a projector you will need a retractable screen for 2 channel. So unless you need one system to do both which I recommend against I would think the need for Class A amps in a HT are not necessary.
The need for 7.1 seems to be overrated since so few BD discs are actual 7.1 and 95% of the time you will be listening in 5.1 EX. I have to admit there is a huge difference between the 2 and if more discs were supplied in 7.1 I would say spend the extra on the speakers . For now you might consider wiring your room for 7.1 and seeing what happens in the future of these discs if more 7.1 content is released.