equating class A to class AB SS amps?


I am confused about how to equate and compare class A to class AB solid state amps. Is there a conversion factor, or is it not that simple? I have heard people say that "this 30 wpc class A amp is easily equivalent to 150 wpc class AB" etc.

The two top Luxman integrated amps cost about the same. One is the 30 wpc pure class A L-590Aii, and the other is the 120 wpc class AB L-509u. How do these amps equate or compare to each other? Which is more powerful (or are they about the same?)? I am confused!

Regards,

Mark

toronto416

Showing 1 response by david12

In general, I love tube amps. I know this is a generalisation, but the solid state amps I have found listenable to, were nearly all Class A, the Aleph 3 being the best. I would love to hear the new integrated based on the XA30, I expect that will be quite special.
Otherwise, I found an edge, lack of musicality, harshness, call it what you will, to class A/B, SS amps. The only exception was the Lavardin IT, which was very nice indeed.