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Class A and B differences?

I have been auditioning the Pass Labs X-250 amp along with the Spectron Digital amp versus my Kinergetics KBA-75 power amp. My system consists of a Sony SCD-777ES, BAT VK-30SE preamp, B&W 803 matrix series II speakers, Acoustic Zen silver ref. ICs, Hologram speaker cables, JPS digital AC and power AC cords along with an Audience power AC cord. I hear the differences between the amps but I was expecting to hear larger differences, like a WOW what have I been missing. The Pass has more detail and seperation but maybe 10% max 15%. Is that the difference between a class A rated amp and a class B rated amp? Or is my Sony CD player or B&W speakers not up to the Pass amp capabilities?

Your comments are appreciated.
bigkidz
bigkidz OP
3,444 posts
 
I am not saying that the Pass does not sound good and maybe I should not expect more than a 10-15% improvement. I just WANTED to be so blown away that I had no other option but to buck up the $$$. I am hearing a very refined amp with the Pass, very musical, natural sounding, but I guess that I was thinking of 30-50% improvement from a $6K amp versus the $2200 ten year old Kinergetics. I asked the question awhile ago to upgrade speakers or amp and got a very mixed review. It was easier to audition amps in my home since many dealers are willing to let me try them out versus sending speakers. I also have the Linar Audio amp coming this week and possibly a BAT VK-500 or 6200. Any others? Most of the amps can be bought for $3500 or less new or demo so that would be my price range.

Thanks for all the repsonses.

Peter
jwrobinson's avatar
jwrobinson
61 posts
 
I sort of misunderstood your original question about classes of amps. I personally take with a very large grain of salt the Stereophile class ratings. I understand their attempt to rate components, but to think that a class A versus class B component will have a quantifiable difference in sound quality is, in my opinion, not going to happen.

Of course, if I could afford some of the A rated components I would probably own them if for no other reason than pride of ownership.

Jim
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
I'm selling matched Mullards. These are being gobbled up by a lot of people. On my super transparent system, I found the Mullards to be objectionally colored. Why are they so popular?. On other less resolving systems, be it the fault of speakers, amps, pre amps, or front ends, the Mullards will assume a most pleasing lush sound. The point is, Bigkidz, if you move to more revealing speakers, you may find your older amp wanting. The Pass then, will have a much larger impact on your sound.

I found the speaker I wanted, and from then on I had to be very careful about my choices of component matches. Watching the used market carefully, I bought the X150, Aleph P, and Jolida NOS tubed 100 to feed my ribbons. The total outlay, including speakers, was about $6000.

What size room do you have Bigkidz?
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