[Arny Krueger]

"Stuart Krivis" wrote in message

On 16 Oct 2006 16:45:28 -0700, "Bret Ludwig"
wrote:


Arny Krueger wrote:

snip

In a word, efficiency. The efficiency of a pure class
A/B amplifier over a range of typical use isn't all
that wonderful. Numbers like 40% come to mind. Class
A/B amplifiers are generally most efficient near full
output. Class G essentially provides multiple "full
output" operating points (one for each power supply
voltage) as power rises.

All engineering is a compromise. Engineers
are always constrained by cost, size, performance,
reliability, complexity, esthetics, marketing B.S.

Right on, and add convenience and general practicality.

The problem is that high end buyers are willing to pay
huge sums and the manufacturers are willing to shave
build cost and take colossal profit margins rather than
to put the full share of outlandish price into the
product.

It seems that most of the cost of many boutique amps is
in the case and not the actual circuitry.

Not even that - its the marketing.

From a recent Mastercard ad: "Good review from Stereophile - priceless" ;-)