I understand that class D amps generally trade sound quality for power and efficiency. I also know that THD levels increase as ohms are decreased. I am wondering if I should run my new Kicker S12L7 dual 4 ohm subs at 1 ohm from a mono class D amp, or should I run them at 4 ohms mono bridged from a two-channel class AB amp? Will I notice an enormous decrease in sound quality if I run the class D at 1 ohm? Will I probably not even notice the difference? Will bridging a two-channel Class AB amp, drain my electrical system to the point where it probably isn't worth it? Opinions are very welcome. Having such a tough time choosing an amp to run these subs.
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I be tossin and flossin, my style is awesome. Causin' more family feuds than Richard Dawson.
Find yourself the class D 1ohm designed and engineered amplifier, even better, find one made in the USA. It is a more efficient amplifier, drawing more often than not, less current and giving off less heat, which means more output power. Usually they take up a lot less real estate in the vehicle. Yes you are correct with the thd ratings, but these specs do not tell you a thing about how it is going to perform in your car, with your equipment match, playing your music and especially how you hear. How many of us think that our system sounds great and our friends think that his sounds better. We all hear differently, which makes for some great choices for equipment for our application.
It can be argued that some people can hear a difference between class D and class AB, for most people they cannot, which makes the class D a great sub amplifier. It is widely believed that class D amplifier sound like a$$ on your favorite front speakers so you just shouldn't use them for that, they must be a sub amp only. This assumption should you choose to believe what the salesperson says can be blown out of the water. If you ever have a chance to hear the little XTANT class D full range amplifier, you will be impressed, we are currently installing another one in a 2003 vw to drive a single MB Quart Q-line 6.5" center speaker, let me tell you it sounds really, really nice.
No bridging a 2 channel amp is not a worthless effort, how do you think high output levels were achieved before the advent of mono and class D sub amps.
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Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.