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Question about Class A

So I read all the time how awesome Class A Amps/Integrated's (SS and Tube) are.

I currently have a Vincent SV-500 Hybrid and feel it sounds really good.

But I have this itch now to hear what Class A would sound like and would it be a big difference to my current Vincent.

I wanted to ask what are some good Class A Integrated's that I could look into?

I know Pass Labs always comes up and for good reason but those might be a bit out of my budget.

I would say I can probably go to $3K new or used.

Sugden is another brand that I have researched a lot and the A21 retails for around $2500 and there is a dealer in Socal that carries it, so that one is tempting.

Vincent has the SV-237 MK II but I think that is only Class A for the 1st 10 watts into 8-ohms and I have 4-ohm speakers so I am not sure if that would give me any Class A magic. I am sure it would sound similar to my SV-500 but have more base extension.

Could you all recommend any other one's? I have been researching but haven't come across any (SS or Tube).

Thanks

jay73
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,217 posts
 

Did a little surfing. 
If it were me, and the power was sufficient, I'd try find a nice tube preamp, then try the Schiit first. Then, look at:
Sugden https://www.ebay.com/itm/255374915799?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=8bd2bd48-88d9-11ec-bf81-623639343262
First Watt https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649809695-first-watt-f7/
Krell, near St. Louis https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649784277-krell-ksa-100-class-a-power-amplifier-w-original-box-packing-documentation/

invalid
1,266 posts
 

I believe the krell amp has a fan and ibais which makes it run cool and it only uses a lot of electricity if it is being driven hard.

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,277 posts
 

Class A power amp don't have an intrinsic sound.  The overall design of the amp is more important.  It's not like in tube amps where someone can hear the difference between EL84s and 300Bs.

arro222's avatar
arro222
142 posts
 

@audioguy85  Ever get a chance to hear Sudgen's integrated one model up from the A-21se?

I think its called the i-4?

jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 

@audioguy85 A dealer in Irvine, CA is selling the A21 for $2400 actually (my mistake). That’s the one that I was referring to. The A21se, they sell for $3250 as you mentioned.

@cakyol The Schitt Aegir does look interesting. I looked into it a little bit. Seems like two use the Aegir as mono’s, you need to use the balanced input and my Vincent does not have Balanced outputs.

Also, according to reviews I read, when used as mono’s, you have to be connected to 8-ohm speakers although I saw a review by New Record Day on YT and he had them connected to 4-ohm speakers but I guess it’s not official by Schitt.

And Class A is for the first 10 watts and after that it goes into it’s "Continuity" Technology which is supposed to still sound close to Class A.

But as I said, it does look like an interesting option.

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