Rtn1,
If the power does not increase, then the amp must be biased in fixed class-A mode (wherein it should be dissipating ~4X the power w.r.t. its output power).
yes, if 2 amps are practically identical in amplifier circuit topology, power supply, components used then perhaps yes.
In the real world you could have a marginal class-A design that is out-done by a much better implemented class-AB design.
Is there anyway to measure class A power other than the continuous power it draws from the wall?you could get hold of a 10W resistor & put banana connectors or spades on its terminals. Then connect it to your amp's speaker binding posts. Feed a low amplitude signal into the amp, measure the output signal & note the power consumed from the wall. Increase the amplitude of the input signal. The output amplitude should also increase. Does the power consumed from the wall increase? if yes, the amp must be sliding its bias. Increase the input amplitude & see if the power consumed from the wall increases each time.
If the power does not increase, then the amp must be biased in fixed class-A mode (wherein it should be dissipating ~4X the power w.r.t. its output power).
However, I do believe that in general an amplifier should sound better in class A than in class AB, with all other things held constant.It is generally believed that a class-A amp does not have x-over distortion hence its sonics must be better than a class-AB amp. This is just 1 aspect.
yes, if 2 amps are practically identical in amplifier circuit topology, power supply, components used then perhaps yes.
In the real world you could have a marginal class-A design that is out-done by a much better implemented class-AB design.