Class G amplifiers

**ralphs** · April 22nd, 2014 12:42 AM

Is there anyone using a class G amplifier? How does it compare to a more mainstream class A/B and class D types?
I saw Ground Zero GZRA 4.100G and it seems to be an interesting purchase for a beginner's set-up.

**jhnkvn** · April 22nd, 2014 02:54 AM

Originally Posted by ralphs

Is there anyone using a class G amplifier? How does it compare to a more mainstream class A/B and class D types?
I saw Ground Zero GZRA 4.100G and it seems to be an interesting purchase for a beginner's set-up.

A Class G amplifier is pretty much a mix of Class A/B and D. It has something to do with how they switch rails and etc. if I were to simplify it. Think of it as a highly efficient Class A/B amplifier.

My verdict? I'd still stay away from them. Circuitry designs of Class G topologies aren't common and this means there's less good "generic" schematics out in the internet. Although Ground Zero is a well reputed brand, I'll still stick with the more conventional Class A/B amplifiers because they're more mature (getting a bad circuitry design is rare).

I do believe that Class D topologies are the future of car audio due to its efficiency. However, my favorites aren't cheap (it starts with Alpine's PDX series and at the top stands JL's HD900/5) and low-cost Class Ds aren't really all that great although most people won't really hear the "difference".

**ralphs** · April 22nd, 2014 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by jhnkvn

A Class G amplifier is pretty much a mix of Class A/B and D. It has something to do with how they switch rails and etc. if I were to simplify it. Think of it as a highly efficient Class A/B amplifier.

My verdict? I'd still stay away from them. Circuitry designs of Class G topologies aren't common and this means there's less good "generic" schematics out in the internet. Although Ground Zero is a well reputed brand, I'll still stick with the more conventional Class A/B amplifiers because they're more mature (getting a bad circuitry design is rare).

I do believe that Class D topologies are the future of car audio due to its efficiency. However, my favorites aren't cheap (it starts with Alpine's PDX series and at the top stands JL's HD900/5) and low-cost Class Ds aren't really all that great although most people won't really hear the "difference".

Thanks for this input Sir Jhnkvn.