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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

sayas
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,926 posts
 

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.

@decooney It seems the above, which seems important to you, is your answer. But that doesn't come from the class of operation so much as whether the amp is competent. As an example there are class D amps out there now that easily challenge the best of what class A has to offer.

decooney
2,151 posts
 

Thanks Ralph @atmasphere for the note. Got it.  Yes, I try to read all of the reviews on all GaN and Class D amps, including reviews and feedback about yours too. Great progress on yours. Maybe I'll get a chance to hear them at a show some day.

Do you have any future plans to show your Class D amps paired up with speakers a bit larger and more demanding than Fritz' little gems?

photon46
1,088 posts
 

Another possibility could be ModWright's new KW99 mono amps. They are rated @ 100w/8ohms - 200w/4ohms and are heavily biased into class A. I bought a pair 6 months ago and am very pleased with them. They work exceptionally well driving my Tidal Piano Cera speakers and were good with my KEF R7 Metas in another system. Like all amps, they display better synergy with some speakers than others. They work well with all of the four preamps I have. They are fully competitive with the PS Audio M1200 and Luxman m700u amps I also own but have that class A sound that distinguishes them from the others. Michael Lavorgna's "Twittering Machines" website has the only professional review posted I'm aware of.  

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,926 posts
 

Do you have any future plans to show your Class D amps paired up with speakers a bit larger and more demanding than Fritz' little gems?

@decooney We showed with the Caladan open baffle speakers at AXPONA last year. We're not sure what the next show we will do yet.

 

decooney
2,151 posts
 

@photon46 ...and Luxman m700u amps I also own but have that class A sound that distinguishes them from the others. 

I peeked at the KWA 99 monoblocks some, kinda pricey, using the Exicon Lateral Mosfets, and not sure if they are more of a Class AB type sound -or- if they really offer a pure type Class A sound for the first 12 watts etc.  

You know, and compared to your Luxman. Do the KWA 99s really have that pure Class A sound or is it something in between really?  

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