Specifications

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output - called channel imbalance. This is due to
variances and tolerance limitations on the potenti-
ometer used to make the adjustment.
IVS dramatically reduces channel imbalance by
implementing three gain ranges, 0-0.6v, 0.6-2v, 2-
8v. The result is a reduction in maximum potential
channel imbalance, better imaging and a more
accurate soundstage.
This graph shows the amount of channel imbal-
ance from two identical amplifiers, one with IVS
and one without, The curve with the large bump
is the amplifier without IVS and reaches a maxi-
mum channel imbalance of 0.75dB at 0.25% of
maximum gain. The two overlapping curves show
the channel imbalance of an IVS-equipped amp
at the 0.6-2V and 2V-8V settings. The maximum
imbalance is only 0.45dB - half of the non-IVS
amplifier.
Why not individual gain controls? While individual
gain controls can offer very accurate sensitivity
settings, an installer MUST use an oscilloscope or
voltmeter to properly set these controls for accu-
rate channel to channel output. Clarion has made
every effort possible to reduce installation time
and complexity.
Class G Amplifiers
Amplifier efficiency has never been more important
than it is in today's modern vehicles. Alternators,
batteries and factory wiring are smaller than ever
to produce the lightest and most fuel efficient
vehicles possible at the lowest cost.
Clarion Class G amplifiers are the results of years
of design and testing to offer the optimum bal-
ance of sound quality and efficiency - exactly
Amplifiers – Technologies
what a Clarion customer demands.
The operation of a Class G amplifier is very simple.
Traditional amplifiers use a Class AB output
device topology. Essentially, there are a set of
switching devices (transistors) for the positive half
of the waveform and another set for the negative
half of the waveform. These devices operate
linearly, passing more current through them as
more signal is sent to them. The drawback with
a Class AB topology is that the output devices
operate in their resistive region, rarely fully on
or off. This results in a great deal of heat being
generated and energy wasted. Around a decade
ago, the introduction of Class D amplifiers to the
car audio market showed a marked improvement
in amplifier efficiency at the expense of sound
quality and control. Class D amplifiers operate
by cycling the output devices fully on and off
very quickly, and adjusting the on vs off time to
effect a change in output level. One of the many
drawbacks of Class D amplifiers is that they
require large filtering networks after the output
stage to clean up the signal and remove high
frequency switching noise. Class D amplifiers can
cause significant electrical interference that can
affect radio reception.
A Class G amplifier is truly the best of both
worlds. Clarion’s Class G DPX amplifiers use
a Class AB audio path with a hybrid Class G
Class G Amplifier
Red (outside) - Power Supply Voltage
Blue (Sine Wave) - Output Waveform