Class AB vs Class D Amplifiers: Which One Should You Choose?
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Audio Wave
Audio Wave Aspire Pro 6 Channel Amplifier | Previous Demo
SKU: Aspire Pro TST UK
$ 21,999.99
$ 29,999.99
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QUICK SPECS
- Best For: 3-Way Active Front Stages & Competition SQ
- Power: 6 x 240W RMS @ 4Ω (0.1% THD)
- Topology/Class: Pure Class A/B (Triple Stereo Design)
- Origin: Hand-Crafted in the UK by Grant Hanan
- Sonic Character: Organic, Transparent, Effortlessly Dynamic
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US Acoustics Lisa | 4 Channel Class AB Amplifier | 4 x 50w
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Audio Wave Aspire Pro 6 Channel Amplifier | Previous Demo
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Audio Wave Aspire Pro TST UK
The Holy Grail of 6-Channel Amplification
Regular: $29,999.99
$21,999.99
Save $8,000.00 | Previous Demo Unit
Previous Demo | Full Warranty Included
SKU: Aspire Pro TST UK | Hand-Crafted in the United Kingdom
Triple Stereo Topology 6 x 240W RMS @ 4Ω Pure Class A/B 0.01% THD @ 100W 81 lbs Flagship UK Hand-Crafted
📦 About "Previous Demo" Condition
This Audio Wave Aspire Pro TST UK is a previous demonstration unit that was used for display, testing, or customer demonstrations. Here's what that means for your purchase:
- Condition: Excellent physical and functional condition. May show minor cosmetic wear from handling/display but no performance degradation.
- Testing: Thoroughly tested and verified to meet all factory specifications by Audio Intensity technicians.
- Warranty: Includes full manufacturer warranty—same coverage as a brand-new unit.
- Value: Save $8,000 compared to new retail while getting the same sonic performance and reliability.
- Accessories: Includes all original accessories, documentation, and packaging (condition may vary).
- Serial Number: Registered and authenticated by authorized dealer Audio Intensity.
For a $22,000 amplifier, demo unit condition represents exceptional value—identical performance at a significantly reduced price.
The Amplifier You Build the Entire Car Around
The Audio Wave Aspire Pro TST UK is not simply an amplifier—it is three independent, high-fidelity stereo amplifiers housed within a single, functional art piece. Designed and hand-crafted by Grant Hanan in the United Kingdom, this "Triple Stereo" (TST) configuration represents the absolute pinnacle of active front-stage amplification.
At 81 pounds and spanning over 41 inches in width, the Aspire Pro TST is physically massive. You need to plan your trunk layout early, but the payoff is worth every millimeter of space. By isolating power supplies and audio paths for each pair of channels, the TST eliminates crosstalk and dynamic compression, ensuring that your tweeters, mid-ranges, and mid-bass drivers receive pure, unadulterated power.
Why "Triple Stereo" Matters
Unlike standard multi-channel amplifiers that share resources (power supply, ground plane, audio circuitry), the Aspire Pro TST is engineered as three discrete 2-channel amplifiers on a unified chassis. This architecture allows for massive separation and control:
- Channels 1-2: Tweeters (isolated stereo pair)
- Channels 3-4: Midrange drivers (isolated stereo pair)
- Channels 5-6: Mid-bass drivers (isolated stereo pair)
With this topology, your 3-way active front stage shares the exact same gain structure and sonic signature across all drivers. It's seamless tonal consistency from 20Hz to 20kHz.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Topology | Triple Stereo (6-Channel) Pure Class A/B |
| RMS Power @ 4Ω (0.01% THD) | 6 x 100 Watts (Conservative Rating) |
| RMS Power @ 4Ω (0.1% THD) | 6 x 240 Watts (Full Headroom) |
| RMS Power @ 8Ω (0.01% THD) | 6 x 100 Watts |
| RMS Power @ 8Ω (0.1% THD) | 6 x 160 Watts |
| Bridged Power @ 8Ω (0.1% THD) | 3 x 500 Watts |
| Bridged Power @ 6Ω (0.1% THD) | 3 x 540 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz – 100kHz (-1dB) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | > -105dB (A-Weighted, Full Power) |
| Input Impedance | 33k Ohms |
| Input Sensitivity | 0.3V – 8V (Wide Range) |
| Idle Current Draw | ± 3.0 Amps |
| Thermal Cutout | 80°C (176°F) |
| Internal Fuse Rating | 6 x 30 Amps |
| DC Protection Cutoff | > 9.00 Hz |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 64mm x 1050mm x 339mm (2.5" x 41.3" x 13.3") |
| Weight | 81 lbs (36.7 kg) |
| Voltage Input | 8V – 16V (Standard 12V Systems) |
| Chassis Options | Black or White (This Unit: Black) |
| PCB Options | Black, White, Gold, UK Flag, US Flag (This Unit: UK Flag PCB) |
| Origin | Hand-Crafted in the United Kingdom |
| Designer | Grant Hanan (Audio Wave Ltd Director) |
Sonic Character & Performance Philosophy
In a world of clinical digital amplification, the Aspire Pro TST stands apart with a sonic signature that is organic, rich, and intensely detailed. This is the "velvet hammer" effect: delicate enough to reveal the breath in a vocalist's microphone, yet powerful enough to strike with visceral impact when the track demands it.
🎯 Ultra-Low Distortion
At 100W RMS per channel, the Aspire Pro TST achieves <0.01% THD—essentially unmeasurable distortion. Even when pushed to 240W per channel, THD remains below 0.1%. This allows the amplifier to reproduce micro-details that cheaper amplifiers smear into noise.
🌡️ Thermal Bias Stability
The extended chassis serves as a massive thermal sink, maintaining Class A/B bias stability during extended listening sessions. The sound remains consistent from the first note to the last—no thermal compression or tonal shift as the amplifier warms up.
🔊 Dynamic Effortlessness
With 240W available per channel, the Aspire Pro TST never sounds strained or compressed, even during orchestral crescendos or dense electronic production. Transients hit with authority, sustain decays naturally, and silence is truly silent.
🎼 Tonal Consistency
Because each stereo pair shares identical circuitry, gain structure, and power supply topology, your tweeters, midrange, and mid-bass drivers exhibit perfect tonal consistency. No frequency range sounds "different" from another—just seamless integration.
Class A/B vs. Class D: Why It Matters
The Aspire Pro TST uses pure Class A/B topology, not the Class D switching designs common in modern amplifiers. Here's why Grant Hanan chose this approach:
- Linearity: Class A/B operates in the analog domain with no high-frequency switching artifacts. The output is a continuous, linear representation of the input signal.
- Harmonic Structure: Class A/B distortion (when present) consists of even-order harmonics that the human ear perceives as "warmth" rather than harshness.
- Transient Response: No switching delay or output filter phase shift—transients reproduce with immediacy and accuracy.
- Noise Floor: No PWM switching noise to contaminate the audio band. The >-105dB S/N ratio is pure, not filtered.
The trade-off? Class A/B is less efficient (more heat, more weight, more power draw). But for a flagship SQ amplifier where sonic purity is paramount, it's the only choice.
Perfect for 3-Way Active Front Stages
The Aspire Pro TST solves the biggest headache in 3-way active setups: getting tonal consistency across all drivers. When you use three separate amplifiers (or a multi-channel amp with shared resources), each frequency range can exhibit slightly different gain structures, noise floors, and sonic signatures. The result? Your system sounds disjointed—tweeters sound "digital," midrange sounds "warm," and mid-bass sounds "powerful" but disconnected.
Channel Assignment for 3-Way Active
| Channel Pair | Driver Assignment | Typical Crossover Points | Power Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Channels 1-2 | Tweeters (Left/Right) | 3.5kHz HPF – 20kHz | 50-100W RMS @ 4Ω |
| Channels 3-4 | Midrange (Left/Right) | 250Hz HPF – 3.5kHz LPF | 80-150W RMS @ 4Ω |
| Channels 5-6 | Mid-bass (Left/Right) | 60Hz HPF – 250Hz LPF | 150-240W RMS @ 4Ω |
With the TST topology, your sub-stage, mid-bass, and highs all share the exact same gain structure and sonic signature. The crossover between drivers is determined purely by your DSP's electronic crossover settings, not by amplifier characteristics. The result? Seamless integration and a cohesive soundstage that rivals the best home audio systems.
⚠️ Critical Installation Requirement
Because the Aspire Pro TST is essentially three separate amplifiers in one chassis, wiring is critical. Ensure your power distribution can handle the current demands of a true Class A/B flagship:
- Recommended Wire Gauge: 0 AWG or 1/0 AWG power and ground (trunk to battery)
- Fusing: 200A total (6 x 30A internal + external 200A ANL fuse at battery)
- Alternator Capacity: Minimum 250A high-output alternator (300A+ recommended for competition use)
- Battery: AGM or lithium auxiliary battery recommended for voltage stability
- Ground: Multiple ground points to bare metal chassis; star washer connections mandatory
Do not underestimate the electrical demands. A weak electrical system will bottleneck this amplifier's performance.
Audio Wave Ltd: British Engineering Excellence
Grant Hanan, founder and director of Audio Wave Ltd, represents a rare breed in modern car audio: a designer who prioritizes sonic purity over marketing hype. Based in the United Kingdom, Audio Wave has built a reputation in the global SQ competition community for amplifiers that deliver transparency, organic tonality, and effortless dynamics.
🇬🇧 Hand-Crafted in the UK
Every Aspire Pro TST is hand-assembled by Grant Hanan and his team in the UK. From component selection to final testing, human expertise guides every step of the process. This isn't mass production—it's artisanal amplifier craftsmanship.
🔧 Finest British Components
Audio Wave sources premium components from British suppliers wherever possible, supplemented by the finest Japanese (Nichicon, Rubycon) and European (Vishay, Wima) parts. No generic commodity components—only parts that meet Grant's exacting standards.
🏆 SQ Competition Heritage
Audio Wave amplifiers have powered numerous championship-winning SQ competition vehicles worldwide. The Aspire Pro TST, in particular, is a favorite among IASCA and EMMA competitors who demand the highest fidelity and judging scores.
📐 Circuit Design Philosophy
Grant Hanan's design philosophy prioritizes transparency above all else. The amplifier should reveal what's in the recording—not add its own coloration or signature. This "straight wire with gain" approach requires meticulous circuit design and component matching.
Why Hand-Crafted Matters
Mass-produced amplifiers rely on automated assembly, statistical quality control, and cost-optimized components. Hand-crafted amplifiers like the Aspire Pro TST benefit from:
- Component Matching: Critical gain stage transistors and resistors are hand-selected for matched pairs to minimize channel-to-channel variance.
- Solder Quality: Hand-soldering allows for proper wetting, inspection, and rework—no cold solder joints or bridged connections.
- Final Testing: Every amplifier undergoes full power testing, distortion measurement, and listening evaluation before shipment. Units that don't meet standards are reworked or rejected.
- Accountability: When you buy an Aspire Pro TST, you're buying Grant Hanan's reputation. His name is on every unit.
Physical Size & Installation Planning
📏 This is a MASSIVE Amplifier
At 81 pounds and 41.3 inches wide, the Aspire Pro TST is physically larger than most subwoofer amplifiers. You must plan your installation carefully:
- Mounting Surface: Requires 42+ inches of continuous trunk floor or wall space. Many sedans will require custom mounting boards.
- Ventilation: Minimum 3-4 inches of clearance above heat sink fins. Class A/B generates significant heat—adequate airflow is non-negotiable.
- Weight Distribution: 81 lbs concentrated in one location affects vehicle weight balance. Consider symmetrical placement or counterbalancing.
- Accessibility: You'll need to access the amplifier for gain adjustment and troubleshooting. Don't bury it under subwoofer enclosures or luggage.
- Lifting/Handling: Two-person installation recommended. The amplifier's length and weight make solo installation awkward and risky.
Recommended Installation Locations
✅ Sedan Trunk Wall
Mount vertically on trunk rear wall using custom acrylic or aluminum mounting board. Provides excellent visibility and ventilation. May require relocation of factory subwoofer or spare tire.
✅ SUV/Hatch Rear Floor
Mount horizontally on reinforced rear floor (behind third row or cargo area). Ensure ventilation clearance and secure mounting to prevent shifting during driving.
⚠️ Under-Seat (Not Recommended)
The 41.3" width exceeds most vehicle widths between rear seat mounting points. Under-seat mounting is impractical for the Aspire Pro TST.
✅ Custom Amplifier Rack
Build dedicated amplifier display rack with LED lighting, cooling fans, and show-quality finish. Popular choice for competition vehicles where aesthetics matter.
Who Should Buy the Aspire Pro TST?
✅ Ideal For:
- SQ Competition Builders: IASCA, EMMA, MECA competitors who need the highest judging scores for amplifier quality and sonic transparency.
- 3-Way Active Enthusiasts: Audiophiles running active front stages (tweeter/midrange/mid-bass) who demand tonal consistency across all drivers.
- Ultimate Build Projects: High-budget builds ($30k-$100k+ total system cost) where the amplifier is the foundation of the entire system.
- Class A/B Purists: Listeners who prefer the organic, analog character of Class A/B over the clinical precision of Class D.
- UK/European Enthusiasts: Customers who value British engineering heritage and want to support hand-crafted, artisanal audio products.
❌ Not Recommended For:
- Budget-Conscious Builds: At $22k, the Aspire Pro TST represents 30-50% of most enthusiast system budgets. Only viable for high-end projects.
- Compact Vehicle Installs: The 41.3" width and 81 lb weight make installation impractical in compact cars, motorcycles, or boats.
- Daily Driver Simplicity: If you want "install and forget," a DSP amplifier with built-in processing is more practical than a pure amplifier + separate DSP.
- Bass-Only Systems: The TST's strength is front-stage purity. If you're running only subwoofers, a dedicated monoblock is more cost-effective.
- Efficiency-First Builds: Class A/B draws significant current even at idle (±3A). If electrical efficiency is paramount, choose Class D.
System Pairing Recommendations
The Aspire Pro TST is a pure amplifier—it has no built-in DSP, crossovers, or time alignment. You must pair it with a high-quality DSP to unlock its full potential. Here's what Audio Intensity recommends:
🎛️ DSP Processor
Goldhorn P5 DSP Ultra (featured on Audio Intensity page)
Dual ES9038Pro DACs, 192kHz sampling, 16-channel processing. High-voltage pre-outs (8V RMS) properly drive the Aspire Pro TST's 0.3V-8V input sensitivity.
🔊 3-Way Speaker System
Crescendo Revolution 7S3 (featured on Audio Intensity page)
AI-enhanced active 3-way set with 7" mid-bass, 3.5" midrange, 1" tweeter. Designed to handle the Aspire Pro TST's dynamic capability and power output.
🔌 RCA Interconnects
Harmonic Harmony Concerto RCA (featured on Audio Intensity page)
You're running 6 channels of analog signal from DSP to amplifier. Standard RCAs will introduce a noise floor this amplifier will reveal. Use shielded, high-fidelity interconnects with 100% coverage and twisted-pair geometry.
⚡ Power Wire & Distribution
0 AWG or 1/0 AWG OFC Power Cable
Do NOT use CCA (copper-clad aluminum) wire. The Aspire Pro TST deserves oxygen-free copper (OFC) or ultra-pure OFC for minimal resistance and voltage drop.
Complete System Investment
To properly utilize the Aspire Pro TST, expect a total system investment of $35,000-$60,000+ including:
- Aspire Pro TST UK Amplifier: $21,999
- Goldhorn P5 DSP Ultra: $7,999
- Crescendo Revolution 7S3 Speakers: $3,500-$5,000
- Premium Subwoofer System: $3,000-$8,000
- Electrical Upgrades (alternator, battery, wiring): $2,000-$4,000
- Professional Installation & Tuning: $5,000-$10,000
This is an investment in sonic purity at the highest level achievable in a vehicle.
Final Recommendation
The Audio Wave Aspire Pro TST UK is not for everyone. At $21,999.99 (even as a demo unit), it represents a significant financial commitment that only makes sense for serious audiophiles and SQ competitors who demand the absolute best.
Should You Buy This Amplifier?
If you're building a flagship SQ competition vehicle, running a 3-way active front stage, and have the budget to support a $35k-$60k+ total system investment, the Aspire Pro TST is one of the finest 6-channel amplifiers money can buy.
The Triple Stereo topology, hand-crafted British engineering, pure Class A/B design, and Grant Hanan's reputation all contribute to an amplifier that will be the sonic foundation of your system for decades.
At $8,000 off retail (demo unit pricing), this represents exceptional value—identical performance at a significantly reduced price.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Performance Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Value Rating (Demo): ★★★★☆ 4/5
Recommendation: FLAGSHIP BUY for SQ Competitors
The pinnacle of 6-channel amplification
Bottom Line
This is the amplifier you build the entire car around. The Aspire Pro TST UK isn't just a component—it's a statement of intent. You're choosing transparency, sonic purity, and British craftsmanship over mass-market convenience.
If you have to ask whether you need it, you probably don't. But if you know you need it, there's nothing else like it.
| Topology | Triple Stereo (6-Channel) Class A/B |
| RMS Power (4 Ohm) | 6 x 100 Watts (0.01% THD) / 6 x 240 Watts (0.1% THD) |
| RMS Power (8 Ohm) | 6 x 100 Watts (0.01% THD) / 6 x 160 Watts (0.1% THD) |
| Bridged Power (8 Ohm) | 3 x 500 Watts (0.1% THD) |
| Frequency Response | 12Hz - 100kHz (-1dB) |
| S/N Ratio | > -105dB (A-Weighted) |
| Input Sensitivity | 0.3V - 8V |
| Input Impedance | 33k Ohms |
| Idle Current | +/- 3.0 Amps |
| Dimensions | 64mm (H) x 339mm (D) x 1050mm (W) |
| Weight | 81lbs |
| Fuse Rating | 6 x 30 Amps (Internal) |
Essential Pairing
Goldhorn P5 DSP Ultra
The Aspire Pro is a pure amplifier. You need high-voltage pre-outs and ESS Sabre DAC resolution to feed it properly. Do not bottle-neck this amp.
Recommended Speakers
Crescendo Revolution 7S3
With 6 channels of Class A/B power, you need speakers that can handle the dynamics. This AI-enhanced active set matches the TST's headroom.
Required Cabling
Harmonic Harmony Concerto
You are running 6 channels of analog signal. Standard RCAs will introduce a noise floor this amp will reveal. Use shielded, high-fidelity interconnects.
