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
Jim, once again, will Delta Sigma be shown at RMAF? I doubt that simple information such as SS/tube/switching technology, class of operation, input impedance, damping factor, etc . . . can be deemed proprietary. . . particularly in devices having the exalted price points of the SDs. Now talking about the Kosmos conductor. . . asserting that it is more conductive and less resistive than Silver is what I deem an 'extraordinary claim'. . . nothing wrong with that, but such a claim does require some clear form of evidence. . . or regretably it suffers in credibility.
Jim>you sound like a politician making statements but not answering G's question
Guido,

Ooops, I missed the other points although most of following is on our website.

● No plans for RMAF but will do CES (Venetian Hotel).
● Solid State
● Class AB
● All analog circuit - no digital.
● Dual Mono power supplies in stereo amps
● Separate power supply in Reference preamps
● North Pole Integrated amp has Dual Mono PS for active linestage section and Dual Mono PS for amplifier section.

● Yes, SINE "Kosmos series" technology is quite impressive. My undertanding of the technology (as noted above) is the 8-steps of alternating annealing and deep cryo + their custom alloy creates the higher conductivity.

As with many high end designs, some information is proprietary.

Thanks guys for the opportunity to discuss these designs. Feel free to contact me off board with any additional questions. I'll be adding more info & photos on our website on the Reference Linestage soon including the interior that offers some unique design attributes.

Jim Ricketts/tmh audio
Jim, this thread is very specifically discussing pure class A devices. There does not appear to be any reason to discuss Delta Sigma products if they operate in class A/B. And please watch out that claim of conductivity greater than Silver. . . making extraordinary claims without any evidence is a tricky business, particularly if the claim is left rather vague. G.
The term"deep cryoing" is not scientific,simply marketing.Anybody who uses this to describe the process known as Cryogenics which aligns molecules through temps of -300 degrees then slowly bringing back to room temps would 150 years ago be driving from town to town in a wagon selling bottles of Dr.Feelgood and suggesting that coke and morphine were just invented that month.Its a worthwhile process used now for many years in the various fields as alot of us are aware.To combine it with varieties of technological witchcraft is almost as absurd as supply-side economics.Sorry for the hijack,I'm a little hungover from the merry-go-round,cheers,Bob
Tmhaudio, just a FWIW: the use of silver or a particular alloy in a conductor does not change the speed at which a signal flows through it in the slightest. There are many things that can 'speed up' an amplifier but that is not one of them; if an amplifier is 'fast' it is that way for very different reasons!

On a slightly different note I have heard a number of amplifiers that were bright but also slow- and amplifiers that were relaxed ('laid back') but also very fast. I think there is a bit of confusion of terminology and individual experience that can confuse the qualities (bright/relaxed vs fast/slow) and consequently the subject.
A system sounds like something, an individual component does not! That being said, a system which includes an amplifier should mimic a live concert (amplified or not). In other words, when listening to your favorite music you should have the sense of excitement and immediacy that is so effortlessly accessed via a live performance. Transparent, dynamic and full of color with everything delivering it's musical envelope to your ears naturaly...not too fast...not too slow...just live! Anyone who appreciates music should be able to hear the difference. Some people want to hear a version of the music they love..so be it, but it is not correct!
"just live"

I apologize, but I do not understand. . . could you pls explain? Thanks, G.
Live sound is the reference point. One must listen to live music and then choose your system accordingly. In this way you are being honest to the music.
Guido, I've always enjoyed reading your posts, but recently you have just been putting on a dog and pony show. you seem angry and seeking a reason to argue.

When it comes to this hobby, everyone has their own perspective and own opinions. For some reason you count everyone else's opinion wrong. I'm not saying I agree with Dave_b, but it seems like you're just looking to argue.
What's up with that? It seems like you are getting more kick out of arguing with others here than from listening to music.

Above you mentioned that this thread is about Class A amplifiers and that one of the posters should stick to the subject. And yet you are holding your own conference over here just having your own ball, arguing about nothing.
Audphile1, must be the Summer heat in Austin and the hot sauce. . . I usually calm down by late October. . . I'll have the last post removed. apologies everyone! G.
Unsound you disagree that for me hi-effs been the better sound? How do you know whats best for me eh? Also I do not under power any of my loudspeakers many are designed for small watt. They do not require large power so are not underpowered by low watt amps. I use the right amp for the design some can run off SETs some need near 100 watts.
JohnK, you can't be serious? Of course I wasn't purporting whats best for you. I was only countering, with what's best for me. I never suggested that YOU under powered your speakers, only that one shouldn't. I do believe that you over simplified your arguments in favor the speakers you seem to prefer, but that's not the issue here.