2. amps-preamps
  3. 162052-34747

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

Looking for an amplifier below 2K for my Altec 620A (99 db efficiency). My actual amp is a Sugden A25B, which has 34 watts/chanel in class AB. Although quite musical, it lacks transparency and details. Of course, the best amplifier would be tube or class A but I'm trying to avoid these because of the heat and the electricity bill (my amp is on all day long). My short list include :

  • Audio by Van Alstine Set-120
  • Ayre AX 7e (used)
  • Sugden Mystro (class AB)
  • Benchmark AHB2 (used)

NOTE : please, no class D since I'm not familiar with it (and pretty skeptic too).
128x128alaindexe
erik_squires
15,870 posts
 
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.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,838 posts
 
Ayre does a video-cast now. Pints with Ayre.
helomech
1,525 posts
 
I have the Benchmark. Its behavior is dependent on what you connect upstream. The closest you can get to a “straight wire with gain.” 

I run mine with a Schiit Freya Plus which, in passive mode, measures nearly as well as Benchmark’s LA4 preamp. If you want the buttery-smooth class A sound from it you merely need pair it with a class-A preamp.
soix
8,822 posts
 
The Unison Research Unico Primo is a little above your price target but is worth a look as it has a lot of what you’re looking for and you might find one used.  The Primo has tubes only in the input stage, and the amp section is biased to emulate a Class-A type sound.  There was a Stereophile review a few years ago that describes its sonic attributes nicely.  Just another potential option, and best of luck in your search. 
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
thank you all for your thoughts and suggestions ...

hilde45: I did a quick search on the Atoll because there's an IN 100 on canuckaudio for cheap ... it has been there for some time and the price has been falling steadily for a few months (which seems suspect) ... from what I've read, the build quality doesn't feel first class to me and I've also read some stuff about the sound that doesn't give me confidence in this product ...

twoleftears : the Belle Aria looks promising even if it's difficult to get infos about it from elsewhere than here ... Any idea about it's power consumption ? I'm looking for an amp but wouldn't mind an integrated if the price is OK...

helomech: the Benchmark is on my list - especially since I have a DAC from this brand and I'm very happy with it - but I probably won't be able to afford one ... also, I don't like having to use balanced inputs even though I know it's better ...

soix: I had thought of Unico but I dropped the idea because I no longer want to deal with tubes ... I had my share of tube amps in my youth but now I don't want to have to deal with it anymore ... also, my amp is on all the time and it doesn't make sense to wear out tubes in these conditions...



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