What’s the difference for the listening experience when choosing between audio amplifier classes (A/B/AB/D)?

Question

What’s the difference for the listening experience when choosing between audio amplifier classes (A/B/AB/D)?

In: 1

Answer 1

Class A amplifiers sound really good, but use a lot of energy and can get very hot.

Class B amplifiers are more efficient but can sometimes add noise or distortion, especially at quieter parts.

Class AB amplifiers are a good balance between sounding good and being efficient.

Class D amplifiers are very efficient but some people might notice added noise that isn’t in the original recording.