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Any options for low power class A amps?

Okay, I do most of my music listening at work because of time constraints.  I have a nice desk system that includes some 4" Fostex full range speakers, an Olasonic dac, an Olasonic cd transport, and an integrated Olasonic amp/dac.  I have nothing but good things to say for Olasonic however I would like to add better amplification.  I am looking for a small solid state amplifier that is pure class A in the 5 to 10 watts range.  The only ones that I have found have a higher power rating and are huge or are A/B amps that are biased slightly higher.  I don't know if anyone makes class A amps in this power rating.  If you know of any I would greatly appreciate your help.  I have tried headphone amps that are pure class A that results in an improvement but the impact is not there due to power and impedance matching of speakers in comparison to headphones.  The Fostex drivers I am using are 16 ohms btw.  Thanks.
audioman2015
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Hi Audioman,
One in particular is the Coincident Dynamo MK II (current version). Substantial upgrades from the original  (which was already very good). A beautiful match with efficient speakers per experienced listeners I trust. 
Beefed up power supply, higher quality output transformer,  crucial areas for a tube power amplifier. Pure class A single ended el 34, 8 watts.
Charles, 
wfor1pilot
5 posts
 
Have you considered a (low cost > sub $500) Jolida 302? I know that your first post pointed out that you were looking for a Transistor vs Tube amp but, A lot of the “full range” speaker users gravitate towards smaller “tube” amps (you will get a better mellow but, robust) sound: Here is my 50Wpc Jolida 302 running my (rather inefficient) 82Db Infinity Renaissance 80's w/ some major authority: https://youtu.be/Pp2DuUza3Ys

(Please listen on a system that will allow for the full range sound to be reproduced > not iPods, trust me you will hear & feel the difference)

One of these "small" Jolida amps (their simple and reliable) would run your whole (Fostex) system w/ a lot of "punch" and clear sound!?!

I have a pair of audio research reference 300 mono blocks running in my "main" system but, I swear; this "little" Jolida (tucked in my guest room) sounds "damn" near as "clean & clear" as a system that cost 40x as much! You might want to take a look at them as a "cost saving" venture that will "future" proof your whole system?

They are not too small and quite heavy (50Lbs) but, leave a rather small “foot print”; the sound is fantastic!   -Davis


zuio's avatar
zuio
96 posts
 
Amp camp amp ACA from Nelson pass, as diy kit + 2nd hand market
http://diyaudiostore.com/products/amp-camp-amp-kit

Valvet e1r

also look at TPA3116 or 3118 chip amps - fleawatt is a good source
http://fleawatt.blogspot.com/

If if you have the money go for the microzotl2.0 deluxe 
biketech60
51 posts
 
Audioman ;
Assuming your reason for asking about Class A is to get clear,clean sound with great low level resolution and good soundstaging , I suggest you look into the Class D Audio SDS power amps . Most Class A run hot , either solid state or tubes, and these do not. They are also a small form factor and very affordable , IMO . I tried one after my 2A3 SET amps and found the sound nearly identical , except better in all regards and also with NO hum or noticeable distortion . None are as low-powered as you mentioned , but they are very energy efficient and you can use as much or little of the available power as needed by turning the volume control of your control amp . This is their lowest powered amp in their best series ;
http://www.classdaudio.com/sds-series-amplifiers/sds-120c-class-d-audio-power-amplifier/   Read their " Testimomials "
jerry_
14 posts
 
Since tube amps are now being considered, I'd be remiss if I didn't offer up my own project as consideration:

www.spudkit.com

Although primarily a kit, I do offer them pre-built for those who don't want to assemble it on their own. I used it on the Madisound based BK-16 kit which featured Fostex drivers, and it worked wonderfully.
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