I recently scored a deal on an amp with the intention of adding lids to my current setup. In my haste, I overlooked the fact that the amp I ordered is a Class A/B. (PPI BA 800.2). Will this amp put to much strain on my electrical system or should I give it a shot? Anybody have years of problem free use out of a similar amp?? No big deal to return it, I'm just cheap and impatient, so if you guys think I'll be good I'll use it. Bike is an 07 EGC currently have a PN4.520D running the fairing and lowers. Thanks!

 

I was wondering this as well, as i have seen some amps with VERY good wattage for a good price, but was a Class AB amp.

 

Class AB amps draw a ton of current which is then converted to heat. Class D amps are efficient, smaller, run cooler and pull less power, all of which are ideal when it comes to 12V audio and putting amps in confined spaces. The sound quality difference between the two is negligible on a sled and even sitting still it's highly unlikely that any one of us could tell the difference between the two in SQ.

 

Its not that they are similar in sound quailty, for me its about wattage. And an AB amp has more power at a lessor price. not sure what OP's reason for purchasing an AB amp, but for its about power vs cost.

Example, the SoundStorm (SSL) EV4.1600, is a Class AB and is pushing (claimed) 400 watts x 4 at 2 ohms and is only $130, and something with that much wattage/power in a Class D is much more expensive.

Best ive seen for around the $200-300 range in a Class D in a 2 channel is more like 200 watts at 2 ohm x2.

BUT if a Class AB is not Safe to inside a fairing, or draws too much current, or is too power hungry for our eletrical systems, then i then can see why not to run a Class AB. But, can our bikes power an amp like that prorerly?

 

The AB amps put more strain on your charging system than it can handle on a regular basis. Thus the reason for the Class D amps. Far less draw on the system and you have the ability to run several of needed.

 

That makes sense. I figured that was the issue. Sucks, since power is more plentiful with the AB, but oh well. Just have to double up on the class d's. Lol

 

Power in a smaller foot print is commonly found in class d amps.

 

Harley Audio Forum Class 101

NO CLASS AB AMPS!!

Lol!