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

 

 

quanghuy147

Look for a Class A/AB amp. There are quite a few which are very powerful. They run the first 10 or 20 watts in Class A then switch over to Class AB. Off the top of my head are Pass Labs, Plinius, and I think Parasound.

Ok stuff like your describing such as the x350.8 (among other similars) are indeed what he wants but way over budget

The OP also has to keep in mind that the heavy amps also tend to be better. There is a reason they are so heavy

Call me ignorant but if an amp is 25lbs or something like that i would automatically dismiss it. isolation is both heavy and expensive. Quality power supply is both heavy and expensive. Large custom toroidal transformers are heavy, and expensive. I can go on and on

 

I think your best bet is to keep it closer to 200watt @ 8 ohm and look in the $5-6k new department and hope to get 40-50% off in the used market

Parasound Hint 6 is a very good integrated exactly within your budget.

It is just about capable of 240 watts per channel into 4 ohms.

 

I guess the obvious question, and the only way to be truly helpful is to ask what speakers are you running and what is your room like? Why do you need 2-300 class A watts into 8ohms? If it’s just to say "mine is bigger’ that's pretty much a waste of time and energy. Tell us more about your setup ad perhaps we can be more helpful?

Thank you everyone for your valuable input. I really appreciate it!  I have noted down a list of amps suggested here, which I think is long enough :).  I will do research one by one. 

Best, 

Huy

Hi Huy,

I believe the Atma-Sphere Class D mono blocks will soon be in full production.

And you can place an order now.