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Pure class A amplifiers = "slow" amplifiers?

Hi folks, I know this is subject of controversy. In general pure class A has been regarded as the best way in solid state amplification to get the purest sound. In my experience many pure class A solid state amplifiers (Accuphase, Pass Labs, Plinius) sound "slow" and are lacking "dynamics". Do they sound that way because they have less distortion than class A/B amplifiers, I mean sometimes a signal is so pure that one is increasing the volume adjustment knob to get a louder sound. With a very pure sound it seems like music goes slower too (= psychoacoustic phenomenon).

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 2 responses by nilthepill

nilthepill
842 posts
 
Absolutely agree with Shadorne's reasoning.

We are surrounded by mass media broadcast sounds that are reproduced with compressed software/inferior equipment to begin with so it sounds good on bulk of the mass produced home and car stereos, radios and TVs. A shadorne says: Fast, edgy, snappy, punchy, grainy, thin, boom and sizzle sound is what we are used to in our everyday life.

So when we hear live sound or pure signal (from superior software of course) being reproduced it sounds so different than mass media delivered sound that you question your sanity (;-)) and your equipment (Class A amps for example). At times you almost want that punchy and edgy definition sound back where faster sounding leading edges are IN your face.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Yeah, I did the same thing and could not find the Amp's topology on your website. I know you and I have talked about this, Jim, and you think highly of these amps designed by ex employee of MBL, and you might have mentioned which type Delta Amps are but it escapes my memory at this time.
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