What are amplifier classes?

Question

I have seen Class A Class B Class A/B Class C Class D and Class E

I don't really need a huge explanation about all of them, i am just curious because i have a sub currently hooked up to my brothers Class A/B amp and it sounds different than my old Class D amp.

Which one would be better for a subwoofer?

Answer 1

Each amplifier "class" has different performance characteristics, determined by its internal circuitry:

Class A amplifiers are desirable for the high quality of their sound, but, because of the configuration of its transistors, a pure class A amplifier is inefficient and runs very hot.

By far the most common car amp design, Class AB amps run cooler, and therefore, more efficiently than a class A, with low distortion and high reliability.

Class D amps (usually used to power subwoofers) boast higher efficiency, produce less heat, and draw less current than Class AB amps. Class D amps produce higher distortion, but this distortion occurs at high frequencies that are typically removed by a low-pass filter and is therefore inaudible.

Class BD amps give you the super-efficient design of a Class D amp with the clarity and sound quality of a Class B amp.

Class D amps are the best for subs