Pure Class A SS vs Tube Amp

Just FYI, all single ended tube amplifiers, large or small, run in pure Class A, and some. When pushed, they will run in Class A2- if the power tube grid becomes positive and draws grid current. Designing a pure Class A tube amplifier is not only possible, but also very cost effective at well under $6K. IMHO. Best wishes, Aric

I don’t think it really matters whether the amp is tubed or class A design. What really matters, is that you pick an amp that is designed well and will give you the sound you’re looking for. Some very well made amps will have a clean, detailed sound and other will lean on the very musical side. Ultimately, you would want an amp that matches well with your system and gives a magical, musical experience.  I have 5 amps sitting on my floor at the moment in which I frequently  rotate in an out. I like the sound each one gives and I have a log book I use to keep track of which speakers, speaker cables, power cords sound best on each amp. This consist of, a 50watt class A SS, 100watt EL34 tube amp, 22watt 300b amp, 18watt 300b mono amps and 9watt 300b mono amps.  Each of these amps are very special and give a glorious sound.  Point is, stick with an excellent class A SS or tube design and you’ll be fine.  

My Schiit Vidar amp (according to what I read about it) is class A/B and it's supposed to be class A at lower volume levels and switches to AB at higher volume so if most of your listening is at lower volume I don't think you need a class A amp. I'm pretty sure any A/B amp will accomplish the same thing. 

@lowtubes 
"...and others will lean on the very musical side." 

Exactly.  





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Hello Lordrootman, I usually do not write on forums but every once an a while, I’ll post my opinion. I’ve been in this hobby for around 30yrs now and I’ve seen a lot of people recommending all sorts of components. Some I agree and some I highly disagree with. I do understand that we are all in different places with experience in this hobby in addition, system synergy is at play too.  But I cannot recommend enough that you stick with a pure class A solid state amp, even if it is a lower powered amp or a tube design. Do research and find a well regarded design that seems to be liked by many people. Not all pure class A solid state amps are good, so be careful!  Some are ok and others are outstanding. For tube amps, I’m sorta bias, so I’ll let you know that right away. I prefer power tubes like the 300b designs and EL34’s. I like other tubes also like the 45, EL84, 6L6, 211, 845.  I personally have owned and will never purchase again the newer tubes like the  KT88, 6550 and many of the newer power tubes that are being used more frequently by designers today.  For my taste, the 1st batch of power tubes I mentioned gives me musicality along with detail that is just so beautiful to hear. IMO, honestly, I have heard the same magical musicality and detail that I have received from my very expensive 300b mono amps from a well designed Solid State class A amp. So be careful in all the recommendations out there and TAKE YOUR TIME, —-RESEARCH— and get the right amp FOR YOU.  My recommendations of amps will not necessarily work for you but if you still with the base information I’m presenting, you’ll find that these kind of amps produce the best musical experience IMO.