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Question about Class A

So I read all the time how awesome Class A Amps/Integrated's (SS and Tube) are.

I currently have a Vincent SV-500 Hybrid and feel it sounds really good.

But I have this itch now to hear what Class A would sound like and would it be a big difference to my current Vincent.

I wanted to ask what are some good Class A Integrated's that I could look into?

I know Pass Labs always comes up and for good reason but those might be a bit out of my budget.

I would say I can probably go to $3K new or used.

Sugden is another brand that I have researched a lot and the A21 retails for around $2500 and there is a dealer in Socal that carries it, so that one is tempting.

Vincent has the SV-237 MK II but I think that is only Class A for the 1st 10 watts into 8-ohms and I have 4-ohm speakers so I am not sure if that would give me any Class A magic. I am sure it would sound similar to my SV-500 but have more base extension.

Could you all recommend any other one's? I have been researching but haven't come across any (SS or Tube).

Thanks

128x128jay73

Showing 2 responses by ronald8

ronald8's avatar
ronald8
9 posts
 

This may not help, but it depends.  If you have efficient horn loaded speakers > 95 dB/watt-meter, you may hear a difference.  Most amps are Class A for the first five to 10 watts and switch to Class AB for higher power.  Class A is terribly inefficient, with a theoretical value of 50% conversion to power, the other 50% lost as heat.  In practice the value is 20-25%.  The amp is producing four watts of heat for every one watt of amplification power.

Here are two good technical descriptions about Class A without the audiophile voodoo

 

 

https://www.sound-au.com/class-a.htm

In short there is nothing wrong with Class AB.  Performance sound reinforcement, especially in arenas with rock concerts are running AB through PA speakers.  Try the Class A and see if you like it.  If you have the skills, they are very easy to build as there are thousands of designs in the literature.

ronald8's avatar
ronald8
9 posts
 

Hi Jay78,

In my opinion, I don't think there is a difference in sound.  I have Klipsch La Scalas with efficiency of 101 to 104 dB.   I experimented with Schiit Aegirs (essentially Class A), Black Ice 3502s and Cary 120S Mark II.  I actually had a twinge of buyer's remorse with the Black Ice and the Aegirs and thought they did not have significant SQ improvement over my Outlaw 2200 monoblocks.  With the La Scalas, the amps are always in Class A.   It was a nice experiment:  in the long run, it probably may not be a good return on investment.  I like the Cary because it keeps my basement warm in the winter.  It is a hot beast as it runs in Class A in triode mode at 60 watts.  I would never use it in the spring or summer.  Class A amps are essentially gorgeous space heaters.

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