Bryston BD325-2
MPN #43008
2 channel Hybrid ?Class D' amplifiers, continuous RMS Wattage per channel into 8? 125 watts/4? 250 watts
A Class D amplifier is a type of audio amplifier that uses a digital switching technology to amplify audio signals. It is also known as a switching amplifier or a digital (erroneously) amplifier. Unlike traditional analog amplifiers, which use continuous voltage waveforms to amplify signals, Class D amplifiers employ a more
efficient method that switches the input signal on and off rapidly.
Class D amplifiers work by using ?Pulse Width Modulation' (PWM) to convert the audio signal into a series of high frequency pulses. These pulses are then amplified by a switching transistor, which acts as a switch that turns on and off at a . high frequency. The width of the pulses determines the amplitude of the audio signal.
The audio signal is first converted into a digital format by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital signal is then processed by a digital signal processor (DSP), which generates the PWM signal based on the input signal. The PWM signal is then fed into the switching transistor, which amplifies the signal and converts it back into an analog format through a low-pass filter.
HIGH EFFICENCY
One of the major advantages of Class D amplifiers is their exceptional efficiency. Unlike traditional amplifiers, which operate in the linear region and dissipate a significant amount of power as heat, Class D amplifiers utilize switching technology to achieve high efficiency levels.
By employing pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques, Class D amplifiers rapidly switch the output transistors on and off, effectively creating a series of pulses that represent the audio signal.
This switching action allows the amplifier to deliver power to the load with minimal power loss, resulting in higher efficiency.
The efficiency of Class D amplifiers can exceed 90%, significantly. surpassing that of Class A, Class B, and Class AB amplifiers. This high efficiency translates into less power wasted as heat, reducing energy consumption and making Class D amplifiers more environmentally friendly.
COMPACT SIZE
Another notable advantage of Class D amplifiers is their compact size (assuming switching power supplies are utilized). The efficient switching operation allows for the use of smaller and lighter components, reducing the overall size and weight of the amplifier.
Traditional A and AB amplifiers require large heatsinks and bulky power transformers to handle the dissipated heat and power requirements. In contrast, Class D amplifiers generate less heat and can use smaller heatsinks or even eliminate the need for them altogether. This compact design makes Class D amplifiers ideal for applications where space is limited, such as portable devices and car audio systems.
REDUCED HEAT DISAPATION
Class D amplifiers operate in a way that significantly reduces heat dissipation compared to other amplifier classes. As mentioned earlier, the switching action of Class D amplifiers minimizes power loss and, consequently, heat generation. The lower heat output of Class D amplifiers also eliminates the need for active cooling . systems, such as fans, in most cases. This further enhances and ensures quieter operation, as there are no fan noises to contend with.
IMPROVED POWER HANDLING
Class D amplifiers excel in power handling capabilities, making them an excellent choice for applications where high power output is required. Due to their efficient switching operation, Class D amplifiers can deliver substantial power to the load without compromising audio quality. Furthermore, Class D amplifiers are compatible with a wide range of speaker impedance loads, ensuring optimal performance and power delivery across different setups.
This flexibility in power handling makes Class D amplifiers versatile and adaptable to various audio requirements.
To summarize, Class D amplifiers offer a range of advantages that set them apart from other amplifier classes. Their higher efficiency, compact size, reduced heat dissipation, and improved power handling make them an attractive choice for audio systems and home theater setups.
DYNAMIC HEADROOM
One of the concerns with Class D designs is the power supply section typically utilizing a ?Switching' supply. When your system . runs out of what is called 'dynamic headroom', it often clips, adding distortion to the signal and deflating the sonic energy in the music.
Bryston Class D amplifiers use large LINEAR power supplies with our proprietary Class D amplifier modules to remove any hint of dynamic compression. Power isn't a matter of just 'loud', it's a . combination of loud but clean and distortion free that together . create an impression of depth and dynamism, responding in-
stantly to signals coming from your source material, driving your system to its full potential. By combining our class-D amplifier module with a massive toroidal transformer and large storage capacitance, you have the muscle you need to deliver high quality power where it's required.
UNDERSTANDING AMPLIFIER POWER
Amp power can be a bit confusing to understand because there are a number of specifications that need to be looked at together to determine exactly how much power you have available for music and movie playback.
A typical way power is measured for an amplifier is a steady tone at 1 kHz into a resistor at either 2 ohms, 4 ohms, or 8 ohms and to a maximum distortion of 1%. Typically, power is almost always rated at one channel driven (especially in receivers) with no dynamic headroom. This means that an amplifier rating of 120 watts
per channel, given seven channels operating, only has a total power available to each channel, with all channels driven, of 17 watts per channel.
This provides some consistency for comparison purposes but does not give us the whole story we need to know to determine how much power we actually have available for the dynamic playback of music and movies. Unfortunately, it can also cause a race between companies to get the highest possible wattage
number when measured this way at the expense of the more important number, which includes time and distortion, generally referred to as clean dynamic headroom.
Since music and movie soundtracks are never playing a constant tone at one power level the important thing to know is what happens when the amplifier is asked to play a very loud dynamic peak for a fraction of a second over and over again. Power is logarithmic, meaning an amplifier must double its wattage output for
every 3 dB more of output you want to achieve.
Specifications
BRYSTON BD-325
Frequency Response (6 ohms-3dB): 1Hz - 50kHz
AC Input Voltage: 115 or 230
RCA Input (Single Ended): Yes
Sensitivity: 2 volts
Signal to Noise Ratio: 105dB (at full power)
12 Volt Trigger: Yes
Voltage Gain: 29dB
XLR Input (Balanced): Yes
Capacitance: 144,000uf
Continuous RMS Wattage per channel into 8 ohms: 325 watts
Continuous RMS Wattage per channel into 4 ohms: 650 watts
Continuous RMS Wattage available to all channels: 1500 watts
Dynamic Wattage (100ms) available to all channels: 4500 watts
Weight (lbs) each: 58
Weight (kg) each: 26
Dimensions H W D (inches): 5.25" x 17.75" x 16.75"
Dimensions H W D (mm): 133 x 450 x 425
Write a review about the Bryston BD325-2
View more products from
Bryston
