what do you mean by class ab sir mark?
I really don't know the gory technical details but its something like this:
Class A amps run at full power all of the time. Therefore, they run very hot.
Class B amps run at a power level depending on the volume. The higher the volume, the higher the power. Therefore, they are more efficient and are less hot.
Class AB amps are a composite. The amps run at high constant power up to a certain volume level. Above that level, the amp runs like a Class B amp.
In any case, Alvin pointed out something important which is the efficiency of the speakers. His Elac speakers have a 91 db efficiency. My PSB Stratus front speakers run at 88 db efficiency. The 3 db difference means that for a given SPL, my amp has to have double the power. In other words, my 200 watt amp is equal to his 100 watt amp. My amp needs to work harder and therefore run hotter. In addition, my amp is Class AB and is therefore inherently less efficient.
Which is better? Class A, B or AB? Ahh ... that's a question for Wired State audiophiles.
