suggestion for a SS class AB amp that sounds like a class A ... if such a thing exists

I listen mostly to digital sources... a 16 feet long standard USB cable goes from my computer to the Benchmark DAC1, and another 12 feet long cable goes from the DAC to the Sugden... I used a standard USB cable because the guy at Benchmark told me there was no need for a better one. I don’t know much about the second cable but it looks like a good one. As for my speakers wire, they are OFC Audioquest... I used to have a much better cross over made with oil condenser and other military grade parts, but I had to sell it in order to buy my actual Altec... The sound was better but I also had a different amp...

I was curious about my Atoll A/B integrated and I wrote to Atoll about this question. They responded right away. They said,

"The IN200 works in Class A up to about 40W under 8 Ohm. The switch to Class AB is quite slow."

Possibly of interest.

The Benchmark will be by far and away the least class A-sounding, so delete immediately from your list.

But are you looking for an integrated or a power amp?

Alongside the Ayre integrated, you could look at the Belles Aria.

Big fan of Ayre.  It's got a unique sound, like it sucks noise out of the room. :)

I love them, but because it's so unique you should listen, and in particular, listen with your speakers.

Ayre does a video-cast now. Pints with Ayre.