Class D amplifiers, known for their high efficiency and compact size, dominate modern audio applications in 2025. Utilizing pulse-width modulation (PWM) or similar techniques, they achieve efficiencies above 90%, far surpassing traditional Class A or AB amplifiers. This makes them ideal for portable devices, home audio systems, and automotive sound solutions. Advances in semiconductor technology, particularly in MOSFETs and GaN (Gallium Nitride) transistors, have improved sound quality, reducing distortion and noise to rival analog amplifiers.
They’re widely used in wireless speakers, soundbars, and professional audio systems, with digital signal processing (DSP) integration enabling precise sound tuning. However, challenges like electromagnetic interference (EMI) and complex design requirements persist, though ongoing innovations in filtering and modulation continue to address these issues.