2. amps-preamps
  3. 162052-34747

suggestion for a SS class AB amp that sounds like a class A ... if such a thing exists

Looking for an amplifier below 2K for my Altec 620A (99 db efficiency). My actual amp is a Sugden A25B, which has 34 watts/chanel in class AB. Although quite musical, it lacks transparency and details. Of course, the best amplifier would be tube or class A but I'm trying to avoid these because of the heat and the electricity bill (my amp is on all day long). My short list include :

  • Audio by Van Alstine Set-120
  • Ayre AX 7e (used)
  • Sugden Mystro (class AB)
  • Benchmark AHB2 (used)

NOTE : please, no class D since I'm not familiar with it (and pretty skeptic too).
128x128alaindexe
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
@ decooney according to the Altec catalogue, their sensitivity is 100db with 1 watt at 4’ on axis... when I had VOT (A-7), I had a pair of 14 watts Leak mono tube amps and it was plenty... and the VOT we’re 101 db... so yes, a low wattage amp if fine... Any thought on the Audio Sector products (gain clone) ?
jg2077
159 posts
 
Pass Aleph 3.  Yes, I know its class A.

I pair mine with Altec Malibu.

Good luck in your quest, and enjoy in good health, 

Jose.
jtgofish
490 posts
 
Well there is no such thing as a Class A sound.I have owned several Class A SS amps and they sounded as different to each other as Class A/B amps. .
decooney
1,905 posts
 
@alaindexe
Any thought on the Audio Sector products (gain clone) ?

I’ve never built one and read up on some stuff Darko was doing years back. Reviewed the DIY LM kits, not much help to ya. Maybe check the DIYAudio site, folks there can possibly help a bit more on that one. Good luck.  
mitch2
3,694 posts
 
@jtgofish +1
On the other side of four Class A amplifiers, I found the amps I was looking for, and they run in Class AB.
Class A amplifiers are not necessarily better than anything else and maybe not with all speakers or on all music.  Decide what sonic attributes you value most and then find an amplifier that delivers those while providing enough power to really make your speakers really come alive. 
More to discover