Class A Solid State Sound


Would someone kindly describe the differences in class A sound of Pass XA.8 series, Accuphase A-70/75 series, and Gryphon class A amplifiers. Does much or any of the differences relate to mosfet (Pass and Accuphase) or bipolar (Gryphon)  output devices?  Thank you!

audiobrian

Showing 4 responses by unsound

Pass Labs declines to spec their amps into 2 Ohms. Stereophile’s measurements of Pass Labs amps into 2 Ohms have resulted in a mixed bag of results. Interestingly (well at least to me) some of these "objective" results might be deemed either positive or negative depending on one’s perspective.

Pass Labs has a somewhat unusual way of specifying their amplifiers. They are not unique in that they like others before them underrate their output into higher impedances that in turn makes their output into lower impedances appear perhaps more academically elegant. On the other hand they seem to spec their amps to reflect their "Class A" output when it appears as though these seem to be more like some Pass’s earlier "Class A/AB" labeled amps (albeit with perhaps greater 4 Ohm "Class A") in that that above a certain output they can produce more power in "Class AB" mode.

Never mind, that there exists some skepticism regarding Nelson Pass’s use of "Class A" "Class A/AB" "Class AB" labels. Depending on one’s choice of criteria, the results might be perceived differently. IMHO, they are not generally especially qualified for 2 Ohm duty.


@kosst_amojan, I meant no disrespect to Nelson Pass. I have a lot of respect for much his work, and am a happy long term user of a Nelson Pass pre and power amp.

In my original attempt at my previous post, I tried to include links to all of the Stereophile's Pass labs amplifier measurements available on the web, but it seemed to overload Audiogon's capabilities, so I deleted them and summarized.

...And yes, I have read quite a bit of Nelson Pass's writings, which I enjoy on a number of levels.

@Mitch2, with traditional speakers as impedance drops so does sensitivity. The BHK mono's  950 Watts into 2 Ohms is the equivalent to what a 237.5 Watt into 8 ohms amp that could truly double down could provide into 2 Ohms. Even after what seems like PS Audio's underrating of their 8 Ohm power rating , where did the other 250 Watts go?
@Kosst_amojan, I disagree with your take on the way Pass Labs specs their amps. The independent measurements aren't confusing, the labeling of Pass Lab's specs are.  Nelson Pass's labeling of specs though still then confusing were at least less so with his previous Threshold branded amps. That Pass Labs declines (even upon request) to spec their amps into 2 Ohms quietly speaks volumes.