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

I just had a really good outcome with running my Cambridge Audio Azure 851w's (A/B) in a Bi-amp dual mono setting (200/350) and you could go bridged mono blocks (500/800), though I hear the 800w is generous. Best part is you can find them for $700-900 each used and weigh 40lbs each (80lbs still kinda heavy).

Extremely happy with them and I'm not even pushing their power or my wallet!

Happy hunting!

Depending on the efficiency of your speakers, that much power is a waste of electricity. Especially in class A which runs at full power regardless of volume level. (Hence the extreme heat) A 90 Db efficient speaker will play at shouting levels with a 1 watt input from 1 meter! To fill a LARGE room, 40 watts would do it.

I understand  that we want what we want. I'm currently running a Rogue Audio Dragon amp (300/500 watts) My Tekton DI's are using a fraction of the power with no sterile or thin sound at all. Matching your components is key. It can be frustrating, and expensive!

I hope this helps and that you find the sound that you're looking for!

Class a/ab 

run from,D.

 

,,look for a used McCormack, sanders, Sunfire 300 (class h) will destroy a class d amp. 
 Odyssey with all upgrades in khartago cases will be close to your budget. 
 

  Check the gon for a good amp.

be weary of fleabay, unless 100% feedback, lots morons on fleabay. 
 

usaudio,art, Agon, lots used audio dealers, call them, i would drive 2 hours for a good amp. Plus the amp will not endure shipping rattle, dropped by the brainless eejits. 
 

if I had the coin, I would try the carver Raven 350s'

I, too, needed a 300 Watt into 8 Ohm amp to drive my B&W 702 S2 speakers in a very large room. I was unwilling to buy a 100 pound, heat-radiating monster. I bought a used pair of Bel Canto e.one REF600M amplifiers ($3000) and a used Rogue RP-7 hybrid pre-amp ($3500). I am delighted with the setup. There is nothing thin, cold, or clinical about the sound. It’s warm, precise, and has an incredible soundstage. I auditioned it with a Bel Canto preamp, which I did not like nearly as much. The hybrid Rogue pre-amp with the class D monoblocks is a great combination.