If the SMPS and amplifiers are so efficient why there are still idling losses?

[digital_av]

I currently have two Trinnov Amplitude8 (8 channel amp) amps that have a linear power supply with <80W idle consumption each. Even so they generate more heat that I like so I'm looking for a "pure" class D /SMPS combo as replacement.
To make sure I can't go wrong I was looking at a "reference" amplifier, Mola Mola Kaluga which has 30 Watt (idle). On a 8 channel system that's 240watts which I assume would generate a lot of heat. Isn't that a bit too much if both the amplifier and the power supply are supposed to be >90% efficient ? Unless I'm missing something it looks like I would better off with the old linear power amp than a bunch of "more efficient SMPS" amps.

 

[staticV3]

Isn't that a bit too much if both the amplifier and the power supply are supposed to be >90% efficient ?

Amplifier efficiency is dependent on momentary output power.

Here for example the TPA3255:


There are always some components involved with fixed power consumption, so efficiency at low volumes always approaches zero.

This fixed power consumption can be optimized though.

8x Mola Mola Kaluga Monoblocks is a poor way of optimizing idle consumption.

Something like this should have significantly lower idle consumption:

Buckeye Amps

Buckeye Amps utilizes the most advanced audio amplifier technologies available. Authorized seller for Hypex and Purifi Class D amplifiers. Based in the US. Free shipping and worldwide service!

www.buckeyeamp.com

(@Buckeye Amps do you have specific numbers that you could share?)

 

[NTK]

Please take a look at the section on "core loss" in this TI high power class D amplifiers LC output filter design app note.

https://www.ti.com/lit/an/slaa701a/slaa701a.pdf