Are There Any Inherent Advantages to Class A amps?

Thanks for the references Tripper!

I have an amp that can be switched from pure A to A/B with a toggle switch in the back. I move it to A/B sometimes instead of turning it off (it runs much cooler in A/B). At other times, when the music is strictly for background listening I'll also run it A/B. I can always tell the difference! Class A sounds more "right" and much smoother overall.

Gs, I generally agree. I stopped short of recommending that Mitch should go for the Class A because there are simply too many design characteristics that influence overall sound. There are clearly A/B designs that beat A designs -- that was also made fairly clear in the great references shared by Tripper. On a straight design to design comparison (i.e., same amp), Class A rules. As always, judge with your ears. Good point Gs.

Please help me out here. There seem to be lots of conflicting definitions of class A. The references Tripper cites clearly indicate that class A can be a push pull design. Virtually everything I've read in the past here on the Gon also support that. I'm wondering if the definition that Stevechan cites is also consistent with that: The definition for class A reads that "a single output device is possible" -- I would interpret that as "possible", not "required". If someone elects to provide the bias for 360 operation but also elects push-pull, then it may still be class A. The definition for class B indicates that "push pull must be used". That is true. It must be used in class B designs for the full wave form -- and depending on bias, the full wave form may not be reproduced at some volumes even with push pull. I don't believe the definitions are at odds. The definitions per Steve allow for push-pull in A but insist on push-pull for B. That is consistent with the definitions supplied by Tripper. I may be missing something -- besides my mind, which I know is gone ;-)