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One of the challenges of this hobby is that the advances in technology and the focus on this aspect can create motivations and actions which may have only a secondary basis in the enjoyment of music- such as the appeal of technology for it's own sake or because of similarities to past encounters...
Today's example is the Cambridge Audio 840W. Perhaps you have examples you would also be interested in sharing.
In a past existence, prior to my metamorphosis to state most know me now it, I was involved in high power audio design, including consulting at times for professional audio and high end audio applications. This is not a very difficult endeavor, as familiarity with the high power RF turbo injector circuits used in the typical pod racer give one a substantial background in elementary physics and advanced electronics, if you survive the experience.
Of course, the modern way being what it is, the interesting details are usually hidden out of sight... necessitating a small effort at dis-assembly.
In this case, removing the top chassis cover is sufficient to inspect the interesting technological aspects.
But since the majority of you won't know what you're looking at, I will add some labels and commentary to "enhance" your experience- if you are not Force sensitive to technology configurations, these explanations will have to suffice.
XD mode operation bears some explanation, but if you are not familiar with most of the standard amplifier linear biasing techniques, the details may confuse you. The important point is that the biasing system operates the output stage in single ended Class A in the lower power area, and shifts the crossover point to a much higher signal level for Class AB operation. While Cambridge reportedly have a patent on this concept, perhaps they should refrain from claiming exclusivity, as the XA seris high bias AB amplifiers from Pass Audio do the same thing. The intent is better purity of sound under typical lower level listening conditions, and high power with lower distortion than typical AB amplifiers- judging from the specifications and reviews, they may have achieved both.
But apart from technical marketing, other interesting features abound- especially for those conversant with power electronics.
Overall power storage is well above average and for it's weight and power class. And even more intriguing, a dedicated low resistance, low inductance (if configured correctly) power bus system is used.
In fact, two bus bar systems are used, though the secondary one is not as easy to spot.
All in all, a very intriguing piece of technology at a relatively reasonable price.
In the end, though, it is how it plays music that will determine it's fate... technology or not.
Today's example is the Cambridge Audio 840W. Perhaps you have examples you would also be interested in sharing.
In a past existence, prior to my metamorphosis to state most know me now it, I was involved in high power audio design, including consulting at times for professional audio and high end audio applications. This is not a very difficult endeavor, as familiarity with the high power RF turbo injector circuits used in the typical pod racer give one a substantial background in elementary physics and advanced electronics, if you survive the experience.
Of course, the modern way being what it is, the interesting details are usually hidden out of sight... necessitating a small effort at dis-assembly.
In this case, removing the top chassis cover is sufficient to inspect the interesting technological aspects.
But since the majority of you won't know what you're looking at, I will add some labels and commentary to "enhance" your experience- if you are not Force sensitive to technology configurations, these explanations will have to suffice.
XD mode operation bears some explanation, but if you are not familiar with most of the standard amplifier linear biasing techniques, the details may confuse you. The important point is that the biasing system operates the output stage in single ended Class A in the lower power area, and shifts the crossover point to a much higher signal level for Class AB operation. While Cambridge reportedly have a patent on this concept, perhaps they should refrain from claiming exclusivity, as the XA seris high bias AB amplifiers from Pass Audio do the same thing. The intent is better purity of sound under typical lower level listening conditions, and high power with lower distortion than typical AB amplifiers- judging from the specifications and reviews, they may have achieved both.
But apart from technical marketing, other interesting features abound- especially for those conversant with power electronics.
Overall power storage is well above average and for it's weight and power class. And even more intriguing, a dedicated low resistance, low inductance (if configured correctly) power bus system is used.
In fact, two bus bar systems are used, though the secondary one is not as easy to spot.
All in all, a very intriguing piece of technology at a relatively reasonable price.
In the end, though, it is how it plays music that will determine it's fate... technology or not.
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