Ditching Class A Amps due to Heat - Sort of a Poll


A discussion elsewhere about the future of Class A made me wonder how true one statement really is. So the questions are...

Have you done away with your Class A Amp due to Heat concerns?

Will you be moving away from Class A Amp due to Heat concerns?

Will you never buy a Class A Amp due to Heat concerns?

I only have a class A/B unit that does Class A up to 6 watts with almost no heat so really can't speak for those who have used in the past or currently own and run Class A Amps.

brianh61

I've owned a Krell 100wpc space heater for 30 years, I kinda like the natural warmth in winter. Seriously, I've got a big room and, even then, it can get too warm in summer, so I have to open the door that sits between the speakers. Found out quickly that I preferred the sound with the door open. No more problem with the heat and I have never found a different transistor amp that does acoustic instruments as well as the Krell. Keeping it!

My issues with ss Class A have more to do with weight than heat. But these are niche products, in any event - I don’t think any Class A maker aspires to take over the market - they seem motivated to create products they love and make a living at it, and for that they have my thanks. That being said, when I bought a second amp, it was a tube, so I guess at heart liking the sound still guides me more than practical considerations

I live in the desert.  Burning up in the summer and cold as a witches tit in the winter.

My class A and tube amps collect dust in the summer.  Even my class A/B Quad 909 runs too hot to run for the summer here.

So Class D in the summer, Class A and Tube OTL in the winter...

I ran class A amp for a number of years, great in winter, terrible in summer. In summer central air kicked in increasing ambient noise floor to a distracting level, 845SET I presently own has same issues. More recently thought I'd give much lower power class A another try, same issues, went to 300B SET, glorious SET sound quality without the heat.

I am thrilled to death for the choices of class A ab -D- tube -H . What ever choices we have. The more the better. As a individual our ears will let you know how good the sound is coming out of what ever equipment it might be. Life is about having choices that suits the individual needs. I own about every class of amps there is to offer. As I get older the weight of these amps are kicking my ass but I will always use and have them because of the sound it produces. Thank God for choices