24-07-2017, 01:48 PM
Power amplifier classes are pretty clear-cut on the whole, and yes, it's best to think about the signal in degrees. This appears to be a reasonable summary: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_amplifier_classes
AB1 and AB2 are for valves only. Outside of my knowledge and experience.
Most transistorised audio amps are class AB. Funnily enough, when you've eliminates all the other forms of distortion in a good power amp, class B is better than AB (most assume the opposite). The difficulty is holding the exact bias conditions for class B operation, so class AB operation is cheaper/easier/safer alternative to the risk of dipping into class C under certain conditions.
It can occasionally be difficult to be sure about which class an amp works in given a certain set of signal and load conditions, but it hardly seems worth worrying about IMHO. Certainly, "controversy" feels like far too strong a word. Borderline "clickbait", frankly.
AB1 and AB2 are for valves only. Outside of my knowledge and experience.
Most transistorised audio amps are class AB. Funnily enough, when you've eliminates all the other forms of distortion in a good power amp, class B is better than AB (most assume the opposite). The difficulty is holding the exact bias conditions for class B operation, so class AB operation is cheaper/easier/safer alternative to the risk of dipping into class C under certain conditions.
It can occasionally be difficult to be sure about which class an amp works in given a certain set of signal and load conditions, but it hardly seems worth worrying about IMHO. Certainly, "controversy" feels like far too strong a word. Borderline "clickbait", frankly.
