So, if I compare, say a Pass Labs XA 30.8 (30W class A) vs a Pass Labs X260.8 (1st 34W are class A assuming 8 ohm loads) at regular listening levels on efficient speakers (so, at 1-5W power at listening levels), are they two different levels of Class A quality?
CLASS A POWER RATINGS
In well designed SS class A power amps I was told that although power could increase to double in class AB mode from speaker demands of 8 ohms to 4 ohms, class A suffered to be cut in half.
For example a class A denominated amp rated at 50 watts class A into 8 ohms would double to 100 watts class AB into a 4 ohm load but only have 25 watts of class A power before switching to class AB.
But I've noticed of late claims of manufacturers stating their amps double their class A power as impedance demands are halved.
So is the explanation that technology has advanced ?
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@clearthinker the krell ibias amps do not run in class B, they are class A the circuit used increases the class A bias as more class A power is needed. Krell's old sustained plateau bias was also class A, in fact if you drive those old amps hard they will generate enough heat that the top two bias positions will drop down to class B until the temperature of the amp comes down. |
@invalid I spoke to someone who has the KRELL KSA i400 at their shop. A bit amazed at what I heard today about it. |
@reg19 Possibly. More will depend on other aspects of the circuit, such as how feedback is implemented, the construction of the power supply and so on. |
@yyzsantabarbara - Would you care to please share what you heard about the Krell KSA i400 that you found so amazing? TIA |
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