2. amps-preamps
  3. 175659-171875

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
rh67
307 posts
 

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

yyzsantabarbara
4,800 posts
 

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.

rh67
307 posts
 

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.

yyzsantabarbara
4,800 posts
 

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. 

captainsteve's avatar
captainsteve
36 posts
 

+1 Sugden a21se

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