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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).
alaindexe
audio2design
1,351 posts
 
The Benchmark will be by far and away the least class A-sounding, so delete immediately from your list.

That's an interesting comment, since Class-A "sound" is far more influenced by design goals. A low feedback Class-A will have much different distortion products versus Class-A with more feedback, and that is not even taking into account voicing.

If someone makes a transparent sounding Class-A, i.e. neutral, not voiced, and no intentional distortion, then it would be closer to the Benchmark who has very low distortion at low power, somewhat negating any advantage of say Firstwatt and the justification for most ClassA, i.e. removing zero crossing distortion.

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
Pass Labs amps come as close to it as possible.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,033 posts
 
Why not just buy a class A integrated and turn it off when not in use? Why are you leaving it on 24/7? I have a sugden A21se and am very happy. I hardly notice an increase on my electric bill. It’s no different than leaving maybe 2 60 watt bulbs on for long periods, ok maybe 3 60 watts....🙄. When not listening I turn it all off. It only takes about 30 minutes for mine to completely warm up and sound its best. This question reminds me of another on here....mainly, what dac sounds most like analog....ugh, you know my answer to that one....
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

alaindexe OP
Suggestion for a SS class AB amp that sounds like a class A ... if such a thing exists
Great way that will sound very good, would be a $799 Schiit Aegir 20w Class-A for the highs and a $699 Schiit Vidar 100w a/b for the bass, horizontally bi-amped. Which if you look at the Altec xover is a snack to do.

Before
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/actke/Capture2_1.jpg
After
https://ibb.co/jVpKGvy

You will need though a Schiit $49 Sys passive on the Vidar input as it has more gain than the Aegir and needs to be lowered just a bit, and this will allow you to tune the sound a little to your room or yourself.
https://ibb.co/SwfGBm5

Cheers George

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
hegel
pass
ayre

are the purest sounding high power ss amps i have come across

at lower power/current delivery level it is the audiosector patek se gaincard clone of the original 47 labs unit

i have not heard a dagostino, goldmund, symphonic line amp in my own system
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