Class A or Class D solid-state amplifiers (modern designs)


Hey guys.

 

Class A is supposedly superior. Something to do with a conduction angle of 360 degrees...so the entire signal gets processed in one go without crossover distortion.

But in terms of sound quality (subjective enjoyment) is there a benefit to Class A? Can class D provide the same level of enjoyment?

 

The dealer I’m talking to says that really nice Class A amplifiers are designed for "reference quality" meaning completely true to the real life performance.

 

Let’s compare and contrast. Which one is technically better?

 

In other words, could you have equal technical performance and quality in a Class D amp?

 

- Jack.

jackhifiguy

@lancelock

My dealer says he’s bringing the AGD Gran Vivace over for a listen so we will see how it stacks up to the Coda. Price wise it’s more apples to apples.

Did you ever do the comparison of the Gran Vivace to the CODA #16? I also own the #16 and a PeachTree GAN1 (modded). The modded GAN1 is almost as good as the #16 but a real PIA to use because it is more than an amp.

I am looking to get a GAN amp and the Gran Vivace is something that I am considering. Main reason for the GAN decision is because the Peachtree GAN1 sounds really good, and I need something with a very small form factor and some power behind it.

The CODA #16 will stay in my office system. I need an amp for my Livingroom system.

AGD will be at THE SHOW next month, you could ask Alberto for a home trial.

That will give me a reason to go to the LA show. I used to go to all the shows, but I am now almost done shopping for gear so the desire to see new gear is not so great. 

Just need a DAC and amp.

Yeah, i just go for something to do. Sound is sometimes wanting at shows even the best equipment can sound so so at a show.

There are some great dealers in the LA area. One year I was at the LA show and had a big room with KEF Blade 1 (my fav) and Hegel monos basically all to myself. The lady in charge played over an hour of music on the Blades.