Originally posted by Indytown
Technics (by Matsushita Electric Corp) invented many Class A substitution technologies like this in the 80's. You probably remember "New Class A" (1981) and "Class AA" (1986). It was very much about creating an Class A-like amplifier and overcoming the heat output and power requirement problems of real Class A.
Technically speaking, Class A is trivial. It means that the transistors are under CONSTANT load regardless of volume. A "full Class A" amplifier will run continuously at its max power. Its heat output is the same regardless of output volume.
Here's some reading material: http://sound.westhost.com/class-a.htm
Facts, please!
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Update:
I just found this on Classé's webpages:
For Classé amplifiers, output stage DC bias is set to idle at a relatively low level to minimize heat. As the output increases under load, the bias increases, remaining at about 1/3 of the total output power. So for example, a Classé amplifier delivering 100W into an 8Ω load will be operating at about 30W Class A, eliminating any effect of switching distortion normally associated with a Class A/B design.
No offense meant. I owned several high-end Technics "monkey" amps in the 80's and enjoyed them! I was in fact using one of their best "Class AA" amps for 15 years before trading up to Parasound JC-1.
However, I see red when marketing people sell their creations as "Class A" when it is not... Somebody told me that I'm the quintessential engineer, and it is probably true :
Peter
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