2. amps-preamps
  3. 1264482907

Does Class A amplifier artificially smoothen sound

I used to like DVD-A over redbook CD when owning well respected Class AB amplifiers for typical reasons. I don't own many DVD-As and certainly haven't listened to any of them since getting the Pass XA60.5 until now. To those who have Class A amplifiers, don't you find DVD-A music partially reverse some of what you like about Class A amp.? It actually gave me a headache, the same fatigue caused by that artificially intense sound, that same sound distortion I've so gladly escaped when buying the XA60.5 for CD music listening. Now loud live performance can give me deaf ears, but not the same headache as described. At least with what observed, it doesn't seem to indicate smoothness and relaxed mood as characteristics created by Class A amp. to emulate live music. In one case (redbook CD), I can listen to music for hours. In the other case using the same amp. and disc player, I got tired rather quickly (within 30 minutes).
spatine

Showing 3 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
We've made class A amps for a long time and one thing that has always been an issue is the revealing nature that class A can bring to an amplifier. If your digital gear does not have its ducks in a row, it can give you a headache. So I'm with Stanwal on this one.

Its hard to use digital as a reference. IOW if it gives you a headache with analog too I would be a lot more suspicious of the amplifier, although if you are suggesting that its the Pass, I don't buy it- they make some of the best transistor amps made.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
If you get a headache after 20 minutes, that is not going to work, at least not for me. I like to be able to listen fatigue free all evening long.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,577 posts
 
Spatine, no arguments about the increased resolution of DVD-As! From your comments though, it sounds as if your DAC is creating HF noise which is making it painful. I doubt its the DVD-As myself. Its this comment:

In one case (redbook CD), I can listen to music for hours. In the other case using the same amp. and disc player, I got tired rather quickly (within 30 minutes).

that makes me think the amp has nothing to do with it in this case.
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