Class A amp vs Class D amp


I have B&W 802s for fronts and HTM1 fronts and SCMs for rears. I like listening to stereo and watching movies. I recently visited a high end stereo establisment and came up with two options and am trying to make an educated and wise decision. It comes down to should I spend more on the audio side and have less for the visual side or vice versa. I looked at class D Rotel RB 1091 500watt monos as three seperates to power the front and a 2channel RB 1092 500 watt to power the rears in a 5.1 system. I also looked at the Classe 5 x 200 amp which is Class A. The Classe is approximately $8,000 and the Rotel $5200. The matching processor for the Rotel top of the line RSP 1098 is $2600 and the bottom of the line Classe SSP 300 is 4500. First of all is there roughly a $5000 difference in sound quality that justifies the more expensive system. I listened to both at seperate establishments and they both sounded good, with certainly the classe seemingly superior. The question is it in total $5000 superior? Secondly do you sink $4500 into a processor that has no HDMI connects and will likely be obsolete soon, if not now. I also listened to the anthem P5 and was not significantly impressed.
ghaas
Just a technicality but the Classe is not a true Class A running amp. It is Class B. They can make it sound like it is Class A but it isn't - it would have to be 10x bigger size if it was.

Only you can decide if the extra $5000 is worth it. But if you're asking here, then you probably don't think so.

Processors and software are changing all the time. I wouldn't invest a huge amount of money in one. I would get nice amps and speakers and a cheaper pro. Those are my 2 cents.

Arthur
The Classe doesnt run that hot, it isnt pure Class A.

I would get the Rotel, not because I own one but because it just does not seem worth it for a movie machine, a HT is only as good as the movie is and when a movie is liked by you there are so many things going on you wont worry about how it sounds.....and Rotel does sound pretty good. Rotel and BW also have some synergy, is it world class? No but it will sound very good and save you alot of cash.
A true Class A amp most likely won't put out 500 watts continuous. Many will put out 30-60 watts continuous with several hundred watt peaks. These run really hot and shouldn't go into an equipment rack due to ventilation issues. I love class A but not for theater.
Also, from my experiences, class A rated amps are not as abusable as many theater amps. They require warm-up time and don't sound great when pushed to their limits (my opinion). On the brighter side, the company Classe' are very solid performers, well built and run anything.
As others have said, only you can determine whether it is worth the extra $5000. It's your money and your ears, no one can make that decision for you. Some would ask if the $7800 Rotel combo is worth the extra $5000 over a B&K receiver, while others will drop $5000 on a power cord. It's all relative.

Cheers,
John
I have both a Classe SSP-300/CA-5100 and an Outlaw 990/7700 sitting in my room right now.I am considering purchasing the Classe Amp and the Outlaw 990 processor.I wish I had the Thiel 3.7 speaker..........I feel the Thiel may require more finesse than power.The Outlaw 990 processor is awesome.