What could I expect to hear from a Class A amp?


I have been interested for some time about what difference a Class A amplifier would make in comparison to what I am currently using. Right now I have a Classe Model Fifteen, which is the best amp I have ever owned...What could I expect to change if I moved to a Krell KSA-200, or even a KSA-50?
bearotti

Showing 1 response by undertow

Class A is the opposite of what A-B and Class D type equipment needs.. So Class A and Tubes need "LITTLE" time to warm up and sound there best... My Class A gear gets to good hot and excellent sounding idle in less than a Half hour.. Same with most tubes.

Class A-B and Class D designs do benefit from being turned on for hours or even a Day before critical listening, but that process can even be sped up by playing a music signal thru it and leaving the room.

In general I have tested several times and found that Class A gear and most tubes 40 minuets after start are pretty much 99% the same sounding as if you come back leaving them on for a day or three... Thats why many think Tubes and Class A sound better than some standard solid state gear which is the hidden potential, its simply Class A and tubes do in fact warm up and sound musically enhanced faster. This is from my experience, and some A-B stuff does sound nearly as good after a few more hours of music signal and warm up.

Class A turn it on a half hour prior, and turn it off when your done. A-B will take some experimentation to see if you find differences leaving them on all week.