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Question about Class A

So I read all the time how awesome Class A Amps/Integrated's (SS and Tube) are.

I currently have a Vincent SV-500 Hybrid and feel it sounds really good.

But I have this itch now to hear what Class A would sound like and would it be a big difference to my current Vincent.

I wanted to ask what are some good Class A Integrated's that I could look into?

I know Pass Labs always comes up and for good reason but those might be a bit out of my budget.

I would say I can probably go to $3K new or used.

Sugden is another brand that I have researched a lot and the A21 retails for around $2500 and there is a dealer in Socal that carries it, so that one is tempting.

Vincent has the SV-237 MK II but I think that is only Class A for the 1st 10 watts into 8-ohms and I have 4-ohm speakers so I am not sure if that would give me any Class A magic. I am sure it would sound similar to my SV-500 but have more base extension.

Could you all recommend any other one's? I have been researching but haven't come across any (SS or Tube).

Thanks

128x128jay73
soix
9,456 posts
 

You might want to look at some of the newer GaN amps.  Those from LSA, AGD, and the upcoming amp from Atmasphere seem to embody a lot of the benefits of Class A amps without the absurd electricity penalty.  When Atmasphere is embracing and producing a GaN amp, you gotta believe the gap has been narrowed to near nil.  I’m a Class A amp fan too, but it seems to be a near dinosaur at this point. FWIW. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,793 posts
 

I have 2 Class A amps. The KRELL K-300i integrated and KRELL Duo 175XD stereo amp.  The K-300i has the first 90 watts Class A. The 175XD has 175 watts Class A. They are not heavy, not hot, nor do they burn electricity at a high rate. Most importantly they sound amazing with very strong bass. 

larryro2
137 posts
 

I just hit an integrated Class A B Rotel A-14.

it’s all SS and sounds really good! Prior I had Peachtree Class D, PS Audio class D 

 

Arcam Class AB. 

the Rotel has better Bass than PS Audio or Arcam.

the Peachtree 150 was v good. But I like the Rotel

a lot- lots of Terrific features! I’m using it at softer vol

and thus it’s functioning in Class A most of the time!

it’s revealing as well/ 

I finally after Quad ESL, Quad amps, McIntosh,

and Boulder products decided to relax a bit !

My speakers are 4 and 6 ohm sets- no problems at all.

Rotel is a super bargain given the correct match between room and speakers.

larryro2
137 posts
 

Your weak link is the recording or file your playing!

If it’s recorded properly it will sound good. My gear sounds different if the file is at a low kbps etc.

 

rfnoise
153 posts
 

Check out this CODA No. 11 power amp. About $2200usd. Pure class A, makes 100wpc into 4ohms.

Im extremely pleased with my CODA amp.

 

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