2. amps-preamps
  3. 187035-96030

Higher-End Class A/B vs. Class A Integrateds

I’ve been thinking about downsizing from separates to an integrated amp. I’ve noticed that some companies have both class A and class A/B amps that are both pretty expensive such as Luxman for example. Hegel seems to be well received and they’re not true class A as far as I know.

I was kind of under the impression that class A was better than class A/B due to lower distortion yet again, there are some well reviewed class A/B amps that are as pricey as some class A amps.

To be clear, it’s really not the price I’m concerned about. It’s the fact that some integrated amps $5000 and up are still only Class AB.

How do these higher priced class AB amps sound in comparison to true class A amps?

nicktheknife
noodlyarm
90 posts
 

@NickTheKnife,

 

I agree that a proper integrated or preamp should have a volume knob.   The Krell 300i has buttons instead (not as good as a knob) and it has a great remote.   I just use the remote, so it works for me.

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@noodlyarm  

I mostly use my remote as well.  Sometimes playing vinyl, I like to lower the volume  with the knob when I get up to change or flip a record but I don't think it should be a deal breaker.

soix
8,739 posts
 

Kinda seems like this jumped right into the weeds about amp design without getting some critical bigger-picture info.  You’ve got a long list of equipment on your system page so what are you using now, what improvements would you like to achieve (if any), and what sound characteristics are most important to you?  That’s really the bottom line more than whether a given amp is Class A or A/B, at least IMHO.

roadcykler
85 posts
 

Why do people conflate the heat of an amp to it's "sound signature?" Tube people do it all the time and it seems some class A people do too. Utterly baffling.

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@soix

I am presently using the Classe CP-50 pre with the McCormack DNA 0.5 DE. Was trying to keep things cool in the Texas summer.

I may put the tube power amp in soon for a change of pace.

Anyhow, in my original post, I mentioned that I’m looking at moving away from separates and looking to get a nice sounding integrated. The only reason is that I heard a friend’s system where he’s using a PBN power amp (don’t know the model) and he claims it’s class A. I doubt that it’s all class A but I’ve no idea how many watts are class A. I did like the sound though. It seemed more pleasing to my ears. Smooth like going from a well scotch to an 18 yr. single malt. Effortless. And vocals on some recording made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

That’s why I’m curious as to whether I need to go Class A for that sound or will some Class AB designs fit the bill.

My room is fairly small and I sit fairly close to the speakers.

I listen to mostly Rock and Jazz so yes, I tend to listen loud a lot.

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