Class A vs AB


Just curious, not sure if this question can be answered? Currently listening to a set of Fritz carbon 7SE Mk2 in smallish room, 14x14  door at either end, rock and roll at 85 to 90db. (Amp never leaves class A) This room powered by a Pass 250.8. At 90db (fritz 87 db sensitivity I believe, 8 OHM speaker)   I am considering a pair or Arandal 1528's (84 db sensitivity I believe, 4 OHM) I understand each speaker is unique to itself. At 90 db listening level, give or take, with the 1528, other than running most likely in class AB, at higher volume setting, can u even identify the difference in AB vrs A or plainly too many variables. i guess part of me doesn't want to leave class A,  as I have been used to it for some time in both of my systems.  Robert TN

robshaw

@soix, and all others that posted. Thanks so much, it really did clarify things. I think the crux of my dilemma was spotted by @soix 

I really enjoy my Fritz speakers, I don't think i could ever sell them. They offer me a level of sonic character that I really enjoy. They sound very good at 90db with assoc sub. I would like to find something that reaches above that sonic character offered by the FRITZ. Maybe a little more clarity,dynamics  in the mid-range, maybe a touch above in the tweeter  range? 

The only example I can associate: In my shop I have a very large area to deal with with a CODA 8 V1 amp and some very nice electronics. All rock and roll 90db etc. I used a Tekton DI speaker which was GREAT! But: I though I was missing something from the DI. I wanted more. I called ERIC from Tekton and we spoke at length. He built me serial #5&6 of a special version on his ENCORE line of speakers. ( several lines above the DI's) He knew I owned the DI's and knew my listening was strictly Rock. This NEW speaker is just incredible. I don't know how to describe it. I'm as close as I can be to the actual concert. The dynamics, the CLARITY, it's everything I wanted!!!!  Five times the DI.  I am hoping to find that speaker for this smaller room that doesn't over power it, but gives me everything the other rooms speaker does??? Any suggestions or recommendations  would be  GREAT. Hoping that speaker exists, and doesn't break the bank. Robert

you’ve gotten good advice, above.   One of the distinguishing features of some class A amps is zero or very little feedback, which IMHO has a lot to do with their sound character.   It makes an amp’s output less consistent and more likely to track the impedance curve of the speaker, therefore, more colorful. 

I take no sides here, just saying, the lack of feedback has a big impact on sound quality and is usually forgotten in discussions of pure A vs. A/B. 

I would like to find something that reaches above that sonic character offered by the FRITZ. Maybe a little more clarity,dynamics  in the mid-range, maybe a touch above in the tweeter  range? 
He knew I owned the DI's and knew my listening was strictly Rock. This NEW speaker is just incredible. I don't know how to describe it. I'm as close as I can be to the actual concert. The dynamics, the CLARITY, it's everything I wanted!!!!  Five times the DI.  I am hoping to find that speaker for this smaller room that doesn't over power it, but gives me everything the other rooms speaker does??? 

I have two thoughts — if you want what the Fritz does and just want more I’d wait for a used pair of Joseph Audio Pulsars (original version), but if you’re looking for for more raw dynamic power/clarity especially in the mids I’d look at ATC.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

Oh, one bit of advice I try to give when I read about other's enjoying Fritz.  They do sound better in rooms with at least a little damping. Honestly at shows it's kind of amazing how good they sound, because well, hotel room, but he always travels with a few panels, which dampen the high frequencies enough to let the bass bloom. 

 

OP

I have 2 Pass labs Amps. an XA-25 and X150,5. Speakers are ATC SCM and Falcon Gold Badge. in my opinion,

- the Xa-25 cannot make the ATC speakers sing, but the X150.5 brought my ATC to a different level. a level i never thought possible

- the XA-25 has synergy with Falcon so much, that XA150.5 cannot match.

 

in the end, the class A only Xa-25 and Class A, AB X150.5 always stays in class A and hardly hits AB and still cannot make the Falcons sing as compared to the XA-25

IN the end, it all about synergy and that Synergy is how the individual listener perceived the music. 

You mentioned that one is listening to about 90DB. at that level, ROOM acoustics is already playing a BIG role. If you have done Good Work with ROOM acoustics, YOU will Definitely hear a difference (depending on music) and may account for class power difference. again, synergy is all the more important factor here.