Class A amplifier alternative?


Hi everyone, 

I am looking for an amp with about 200-300 watt/8ohm/channel for my speakers. People say that Class A is the best to have. However, with this power, Class A amp would be super heavy (for me) The amp at this power is usually 100 lbs or higher. I wonder if there is any other solution here that doesn't compromise the sound quality? My budget is $3000 (used items). 

 

Just FYI, I once tried class D but the sound is very clinical, thin and sterile in my system. 

 

Thank you!

Huy

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2xquanghuy147

The new GaN Class D amps are all the rage and have the power you desire. I just ordeed a Mini GaN 5 Balanced Power Amplifier from Class D Audio to expierament with. I am a tube guy but hell for $750.00 and if I dont care for it I will dump it, return it what ever.

Helping a small US Manufaturer without a cult follwing.

 

Luxman’s Class A-B are VERY close in sound to their own Class A. I’ve found that the "watts per channel" mean little, it’s all about the current they produce, and the headroom.

 

As always, I agree with Ralph.

I can understand modern feelings about class D. Most of us have had nothing but bad experiences.

About ten years ago, one of the first class D mega threads (might have been Audio Circle, not sure), was something like, "Tried this class D amp and sold my $20k tube monos." So I thought, why not try it and built the kit ("from a small US Manufaturer without a cult follwing") with all my favorite tweaks and upgrades. Horrible right off the bat. Hmmm, must need more break-in. Long story short, 1000 hours later, I thought something must be broken. Contacted the designer and we determined that the amp was working properly. Kind of like the first CD players. I could never sell it in good conscience, still sitting on a shelf. Nice PS and chassis though; I might stick one of the latest modules inside and try again.

Just about every year or two since, another "best amp I ever heard, tubes and transistors are obsolete, blah, blah, blah".

Of course, again, over time, not acceptable. Always some grating, annoying subtlety.

I think there have been some major breakthroughts in the last year or so. I posted the two recent reviews of the Legacy i.Vx Ultra series just as a baseline.

With everything else in audio, you must audtion in your home with your speakers using a well broke- in  dealer loaner or have a good refund policy with mail order.

With all that said, I think many of the negative comments regarding these modern class D designs implemented well (really good power supplies, excellent noise and grounding techniques, etc) are folks that simply didn't put enough hours on the amp to make an accurate assessment. Or the typical Audiogon types with countless comments of gear they have not heard...

Finally, I have no skin in this game. Whatever technology sounds best, I'll take. Wouldn't it be wonderful if inexpensive, cool running, energy efficient amps of whatever technology one day replace the big, hot, uber expensive +$50k mega-amps.

 

My Herron Audio monoblocks had to go back to Keith for some service and updates and I picked up a pair of used PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks to hold me over.  I was not expecting them to be as good as my Herron M1s or the Rogue Audio M180 tube monoblocks I had before, but... they are really good.  They're dynamic, detailed, but a little on the warmish side of neutral.  No rolled off top end or harshness that are some of the things people commonly complain about with Class D amps.  They are supposed to be "voiced" to sound like tube amps, and I think they've come close to that goal.  You can find a pair in your price range.

There are a lot of options in your price range, especially used.  Someone has a Parasound A21 listed, that might be worth a look.

You won't find any used and will need to raise your budget to $5Kish but soon you will be able to buy the new Atma-Sphere Class D mono blocks. Even after some time, I don't think you will find any used because I don't think anyone will want to part with them.