A prime example of this is the Forte Model 4a and the Forte model 6. The intended design was the 4a outputing 50w in class A and sounding smooth as silk. The marketing guys at Forte felt is would be easier to market and sell a 250 w amp (125/side class A/B) than a 50 w amp, and demanded the higher wattage version. Both were reviewed in Stereophile, the reviewer prefering the 50w model 4 (the "a" model allows for balanced inputs) to the model 6. Closer matching of the output transisters was needed for the 4 vs the 6, but other than that and the wiring, the parts between the two models were identical. The class A model 4 runs warmer of course. Check out the review. Happy Listening
Two amps, one pure class A, other A/B
Here is the question.
You have two amps from the same manufacturer, they have the same power supply, the same transformers, most likely the same output transistors.
One is biased as pure class A and outputs 50W.
The other is biased as class A/B and outputs 150W.
If 50W amp clearly cannot drive your speakers (you have flabby bass), will the 150W one do the better job, considering the only difference is bias?
You have two amps from the same manufacturer, they have the same power supply, the same transformers, most likely the same output transistors.
One is biased as pure class A and outputs 50W.
The other is biased as class A/B and outputs 150W.
If 50W amp clearly cannot drive your speakers (you have flabby bass), will the 150W one do the better job, considering the only difference is bias?