An amplifier is a device which increases signal level. Many types of amplifiers are used in audio systems. Amplifiers typically increase voltage, current or both. Audio power amplifiers are classified primarily by the design of the output stage. Classification is based on the amount of time the output devices operate during each cycle of signal swing. Amplifiers are also defined in terms of output bias current, (the amount of current flowing in the output devices with no signal).
Yes, this amplifier is also covered by ACI's Full, Five Year Warranty!
In terms of sound quality, Class A amplifiers are often considered the ultimate. However, Class A amplifiers are extremely expensive to build, and are very inefficient, generating a huge amount of heat. Probably 90% of the high-end amplifiers currently on the market are Class A-B amplifiers that cost significantly less than Class A, sound very good, and run much cooler. In the last few years, Class D amplifiers or Digital Amps have become very popular. These run very cool and are extremely inexpensive. Unfortunately, sound quality generally varies from poor to okay. Class D amps are used by the majority of subwoofer manufacturers because they cost a fraction of what a good quality Class A-B amplifier costs. To provide our customers with ACI sound quality we use high-quality fully discrete Class A-B amps in the Force XL and Titan XL subwoofers.
There is now a fourth option, developed by B&O of Denmark; the ICE amp. ICE amplifiers have some similarities to Digital Amps in terms of efficiency and compact size. However, properly implemented, the ICE amp has sound quality rivaling a Class A amplifier! High end amplifier manufacturers have begun using ICE power in very high performance and very costly amplifiers. We are proud to feature ICE technology in our The Maestro XL amplifier.