The power transistor of the output stage preferably comprises an output transistor of the class D amplifier and may be driven through the control terminal by a pulse width or pulse density modulated audio input signal of the class D amplifier. The class D amplifier may comprise a plurality of power transistor connected in an H-bridge topology. Each of the power transistors may comprise an LDMOS transistor such as LDNMOS transistor. The regulated DC voltage output may have a DC voltage which is at least 5 V higher than a DC supply voltage of the power transistor or transistors of the output stage to ensure that the gate voltage of an N type MOS power transistor can be driven into an appropriate low impedance on-state. The high side DC voltage supply of the class D amplifier may have a DC voltage which is at least 2 V higher than the regulated DC voltage output of the floating regulator to ensure that a pass transistor of the voltage regulator is adequately biased. The pass transistor may comprise a LDNMOS or LDPMOS transistor having drain-source terminals coupled between the positive voltage input of the regulator and the regulated DC voltage output.
A third aspect of the invention relates to an integrated high side gate driver assembly comprising: