CLASS A POWER RATINGS


In well designed SS class A power amps I was told that although power could increase to double in class AB mode from speaker demands of  8 ohms to 4 ohms, class A suffered to be cut in half.

For example a class A denominated amp rated at 50 watts class A into 8 ohms would double to 100 watts class AB  into a 4 ohm load but only have 25 watts of class A power before switching to class AB.

But I've noticed of late claims of manufacturers stating their amps double their class A power as impedance demands are halved.

So is the explanation that technology has advanced ?

rost

Showing 1 response by ditusa

@rost Wrote:

CLASS A POWER RATINGS

My understanding is a class A /AB amplifier will have a switch to differentiate between the two classes. The switch changes the amplifier's quiescent current. My amplifiers have a switch on the front panel in class A for 30 watts output, @ 8 Ohms the quiescent current is 250 watts and in class AB for 200 watts output, @ 8 Ohms the quiescent current is 80 watts. In my audio system my amps are always in class A mode. I hope that answered the OP question. 😎

Mike