High Powered classdaudio.com amp?

[Barry NJ]

I'm interested in a dynamic, high-powered (500+ watts/channel), amplifier for my system, and there are a few options available on their web site:

TI-600 Kit plus a second TI-600 amplifier module, for 600 watts/channel @ $390

CDA-1000 Kit , for 500 watts/channel @ $325

CDA-258 Kit plus a second CDA-258 amplifier module, for 1000 watts/channel @ $450

It's a bit confusing because some of the descriptions aren't clear...

Originally Posted by www.classdaudio.com CDA-258 Kit

Package deal includes 1 of our most powerful 500W X 2, or 100W X 1 Class D Power Amplifier modules, Large Power Supply, 500VA AnTek Toroidal Transformer, and transformer mounting kit. This is a great combination of components for a complete audiophile quality power amplifier. The power supply included in this kit is capable or running two amplifier modules. With the included components you can build a 1000W 8 Ohm stereo amplifier or 4 channel X 500W 4 Ohm or 4 X 250W 8 Ohm.

Another confusing note...

Originally Posted by www.classdaudio.com CDA-258 Amplifier

Specifications:
· Output: 250 X 2 - 8 Ohm, 250 X 2 - 8 Ohm
· Bridged Output: Not Recommended

Will it do 1000 watts bridged as suggested in the CDA-258 Kit?

Looking at the differences between the CDA series and SDS series boards:

Originally Posted by www.classdaudio.com

Our new Super D Series audio power amplifiers are built on the highly acclaimed reputation of our CDA series amps. Our goal was to keep the excellent sonic qualities while adding a state-of -the art balanced input stage (also accepts standard single ended input) and external adjustable gain controls. We've also added a better cooling system, Molex connectors for external LED's, power switch, and gain controls (included). The balanced input stage is one of the finest available and normally only found on very expensive high-end equipment.

I wonder if it's worth the cost difference for me(?) I don't plan on running a balanced input, nor do I feel the need for adjustable gain, as my pre-amp, an Audio Alchemy DLC, doesn't offer balanced output, and runs passive until 0dB and then goes into an active mode. I also have a Musical Fidelity X10-D line buffer that I thought I'd hard-wire, build into, the amplifier as an input buffer, so the lower input impedance of the CDA boards shouldn't be a concern.

Any thoughts or guidance is greatly appreciated.

Maybe Tom 9classdaudio-usa) has time to chime in(?)

Regards, Barry

[tinitus]

hey Barry, what is impedance of your speakers, thats important

Supply voltage rating is the key
yes, a lot of info about multiple options, and slightly confusing
maybe it would be easier to explain and understand if all that info were put into a form/framework

when it says bridged not recommended, it could mean not at the suggested max voltage
but might still be fine bridged at the lower voltage rating
also remember that any bridged amp will see 8ohm as a 4ohm load, thus it may help to lower supply voltage a bit
nothings for free

[Barry NJ]

Thanks for the reply tinitus. My speakers are rated @ 8 Ohms, so I guess it should be safe to run the amplifier in bridged mode. While I can use a multi-meter, and have a basic understanding of capacitors and resistors, I am far from understanding electronic amplification circuits. So these kits, which come with preassembled boards, are pretty apealing to neophite like myself.