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Higher-End Class A/B vs. Class A Integrateds

I’ve been thinking about downsizing from separates to an integrated amp. I’ve noticed that some companies have both class A and class A/B amps that are both pretty expensive such as Luxman for example. Hegel seems to be well received and they’re not true class A as far as I know.

I was kind of under the impression that class A was better than class A/B due to lower distortion yet again, there are some well reviewed class A/B amps that are as pricey as some class A amps.

To be clear, it’s really not the price I’m concerned about. It’s the fact that some integrated amps $5000 and up are still only Class AB.

How do these higher priced class AB amps sound in comparison to true class A amps?

nicktheknife
mondonitro's avatar
mondonitro
8 posts
 

Hmmmm people seem to forget SET Tube Amps are Class A by nature. A 845 will get you 20watts so dont over look that option also.

 

vthokie83
1,078 posts
 

Nicktheknife,

As several have mentioned, listen and borrow if you can. I've heard two Class D amps that I thought had heart and soul, and would definitely audition if/when I consider combining to an integrated; Gato and Aavik. The Gato is around $5,000 and unfortunately the Aavik is well north of that. I have never heard them in my system, but would like the chance at some point

boxcarman
483 posts
 

Class A will usually have a warmer sound signature.  My Hegel H390 has a somewhat warm yet nicely articulated sound.  I like it paired with my Maggie 3.7's.  And yes, class A runs much hotter and takes more juice, even when it's not making music.

zlone
958 posts
 

Rather than focus on pure class A, you might want to look at A/B amps that are are biased to deliver more class A wattage before switching to A/B operation. Some vendors publish these numbers, others do not. Coda is one example. If you don’t play your music loud, or have sensitive speakers, you may not need a lot.  More important however is how the amp sounds to you and how well it plays with your speakers. 

noodlyarm
117 posts
 

You might consider a used Krell K300i integrated.   The first watts are Class A then the rest are class A/B.   I don’t recall the actual cutover, but it’s pretty high.   I own one and love it.   Smooth, warm (not bloomy), extended highs, and massive controlled bass.   I’m very satisfied with mine.   Used you can find them for about $5k.

Happy hunting!

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