Specifications

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limitations on the potentiometer used to make the
adjustment.
IVS dramatically reduced channel imbalance by
implementing three discrete sensitivity 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 imbalance
from two identical amplifiers, one with IVS and one
without, The curve with the large bump is the ampli-
fier without IVS and reaches a maximum 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 set-
tings. 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 accurate channel to
channel output. Clarion has made every effort possi-
ble 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,
in efforts to produce the lightest and most fuel
efficient vehicles possible.
For 2006, Clarion introduces a full line of Class
G amplifiers. These amplifiers are the results of
years of design and testing, and offer the opti-
mum balance of sound quality and efficiency
- exactly what a Clarion customer demands.
Amplifiers – Technologies
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. Also,
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 new Class G DPX amplifiers
use a Class AB output stage with a hybrid Class
G multi-voltage power supply. The result is tight,
controlled, dynamic power output with excellent
amplifier efficiency.
Class AB Amplifier
Blue - Power Supply Voltage
Yellow - Output Waveform