Amplifier modules for active speakers

[andy19191]

As someone interested in active loudspeakers and looking to purchase a few amplifier modules do the conclusions in this paper hold today and for DIYers? (pdf file):

http://www.genelec.com/documents/pub...s/aes111th.pdf

A quote: "Of the six amplifiers tested, the most value overall is currently
offered by TFH amplifiers. Switch mode amplifiers offer the least
value, and there appears to be little justification at the present time
for using them in high quality, low power, compact audio power
amplifiers."

[TheSeekerr]

Are you sure you've linked the right paper? The word "amplifiers" does not appear in that one....

[planet10]

This is likely the one http://www.genelec.com/documents/pub...s/aes112th.pdf

dave

[Nisbeth]

Probably not. The cost of class-D solutions are different (= lower) now than seven/eight years ago when that paper was written and the quality is probably a lot more consistent than it was then. Also, your priorities and willingness to accept certain tradeoffs in cost vs. sound quality etc. would be different for a DIY'er and a big manufacturer such as Genelec.


/U.

[andy19191]

My apologies. I mistyped the link and the one given by Dave is correct:

http://www.genelec.com/documents/pub...s/aes112th.pdf

> The cost of class-D solutions are different (= lower) now than seven/eight years ago
> when that paper was written and the quality is probably a lot more consistent than it was
> then.

That is encouraging for the woofers.

> Also, your priorities and willingness to accept certain tradeoffs in cost vs. sound quality
> etc. would be different for a DIY'er and a big manufacturer such as Genelec.

My intention is broadly to purchase the cheapest amplifier that would remain audibly neutral while delivering sufficient power to the drivers over their relevant frequency range. I was pleased to find this study which strongly parallels this interest. The price to a DIYer and a commercial company are going to be different but I would not expect my requirements to differ from Genelec's in any substantial ways.

[StigErik]

A problem for DIY'ers is that the best sounding amp modules (IMO) are not available for DIY... that's the ICEpower ASX2 series. I've never heard anything better, simple as that!

That being said, the latest Hypex modules are probably the best alternative out there, with sound quality second to none. A bit expensive though.

[wahab]

Seems that genelec is running after cost effective amps.
The DMOS IC amp display a strange behaviour at low frequencies :
The more powerfull the supply is , the more distorsion, which is a bit odd.
Anyway, a bad IC was used.

[StigErik]

I've heard the latest Genelecs with DSP quite a few times, and measured them as well. Ruler-flat frequency response (really impressive), but lousy harsh sound. I suspect the amps here.

[andy19191]

> That being said, the latest Hypex modules are probably the best alternative out there, with sound
> quality second to none. A bit expensive though.

I would agree on the expense to DIYers but as a small specialised market I think one should expect high prices. Curious to know what industry pays though.

> Seems that genelec is running after cost effective amps.

Me too. Although I have found a few amplifier modules at reasonable looking prices the absence of fullish specifications prevents me from determining whether they are cost effective or not for my purposes. I do not want to perform an exercise like Genelec for amplifiers because this is not my main interest.

>Anyway, a bad IC was used.

But how does one know which other ones are bad without fullish specs?

> I've heard the latest Genelecs with DSP quite a few times, and measured them as well. Ruler-flat
> frequency response (really impressive), but lousy harsh sound. I suspect the amps here.

What makes you suspect the amps? And what did the frequency response/directivity of less harsh sounding speakers look like?