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Why do I like Class AB better than Class A?

So I just purchased a Plinius SA 100 MKIII, and have had 2 listening sessions comparing both with the toggle switch. To me clearly the AB is more detailed and focused, the A is warm but a little fuzzy and bloated, although I would give it a slight nod on just vocal songs. Am I just not use to the sound as this is my first A amp or have I not let it properly warm up for class A (1hour or so).
Don't get me wrong, i love the amp, great bottom end slam but I don't hear the holy grail from Class A. Thanks in advance for the input guys.
barfbag

Showing 2 responses by ryder

ryder
1,682 posts
 
I've owned the SA100 MkIII and the difference between Class A and Class AB isn't that huge though appreciable. Similarly I find the sound to be smoother, warmer, more organic and liquid with Class A. Music sounds leaner, sharper and more crisp in Class AB apart from having a slight edge in speed and transient attack - ideal for rock and music with lots of dynamic swings. With rock and metal, Class AB will be more ideal as music tends to sound slower and thicker in Class A due to the added warmth in the midrange.

Apart from the minute sound differences, Class A operation is also very inefficient. When I had the Plinius I usually listen in Class AB and find it to work well enough across a wide genre of music.
ryder
1,682 posts
 
Barfbag, I moved on to the Naim as the speakers I had were mostly warm and smooth sounding designs, hence the match between the speakers and Plinius is too much of a good thing. Music lacks excitement and boogie factor and sounds lethargic in dynamic passages. Something just didn't sound right.

Having said that, I am sure the Plinius is an excellent amp that will sound great with speakers that are leaner, more neutral, open or forward. It's all about system synergy.

Enjoy~
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