Schiit Audio makes a class A'ish small form factor amp. You could even get two and run them in mono as well. i've owned one and was plesently surprised how good it was for $800. You see them used as well from time to time.
Need a modern Class A monoblock, preferably half or compact chassis
Anyone here know anyone that might know if something like this may be available before year end. I am currently ampless, beginning to suffer withdrawls…wishing for Pass Labs to release an XA30.8 like powered amp, split into 2/3 scale monoblocks with xs or xa or ?? designator with Balanced Input.
XA60.8 is the logical choice if nothing shows up this year, but until I pull the trigger, alien monoblocks could distract me, for instance Valvet A4.5, from getting what I truly desire.
The current XA30.8 is the dream split into a modern Pass Labs monoblock.
FW is too focused and limiting to consider.
Anyone know of this possibility on the horizion for an XA30.88
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Hi All, I was about to post a thread and found this one posted by @sayas. >> 30 to 40 watt Class A solid state monoblocks are a future target for me << For an upcoming consolidation project, I’ll be looking for a pair of dedicated 30 to 40 watt dedicated Class A solid state mono blocks. Real iron transformers for me, and I’m all about the right iron too. Why? I’m really liking my Jon Soderberg nicely upgraded Forte’ 3/1a Class A 50w amp so much, now I want dedicated monoblocks of the same. Not sure I need old massive Thresholds either. Old Alephs run too hot for me, so finding a delicate balance monoblocks is my search. No Class A/AB amps. Only interested in dedicated Class A monoblocks. Loving the form factor of the new KWA 99 Monoblocks, I just dont want or need 200w at 4ohms. Smaller form factor, dedicated Class A 30 watt would be right in the pocket, with fewer output transistor like Nelson does. Coda has too many opts imo. No I cannot afford nor will I splurge on Nelson’s new Firstwatt SIT-5 monos. yes, super nice, but looking for someting about half the price and must be Black. :) I shared a note with Nelson I’ll wait 5 years when the SIT-10 comes out and maybe buy a pair of SIT-5s 2nd hand LOL. Sorry, not into making this into another GaN or Class D thread. Will leave that to other threads. ---------- Ask: Other ideas and mentions appreciated, tagging on to this thread, and I’ll start building the wish list as I start selling other stuff off next few years, maybe. Thanks in advance.
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@decooney Isn't it more about the sound rather than the class of operation? |
Great question and I use to think so. Now I’m not quite certain any more. I was exposed to new doors through a local tech friend who use to work for Threshold. He’s still repairing and upgrading amps. Past 45 year most of my SS amps were all formerly Class A/AB. My current SS amp was re-configured last summer from Class A/AB 180w to pure Class A 50w, transformer retapped and circuit reconfigurations and such as strongly recommended. I went for it. Glad i did. Pure Class A now, same amp reconfigured I notice the following benefits in pure Class A for whatever reasons. 1. Smoother sound, a little more texture 2. Better separation of instruments. Oddly closer to tube in a way 3. New layering is present I do not recall hearing prior 4. More to the bottom end it seems, not imagining this 5. Weighs less now, easier to lift - just kidding, lol.
I like this reconfigured SS amp so much i now want to try the same but in pure class A monos. This is what I’m going off of. I still have my other mono tube amps that i rotate in/out.
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