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
syd7865
24 posts
 

Conrad  johnson 27A is true class A tube Amp.

worth your consideration

bobheinatz
727 posts
 

You have gotten some great advise on the integrated amps.  Krell, Coda and Boulder are the three I would focus on.  I bought a Boulder 866 and it's listed as a AB class but I know it's lower wattage is class A.  Very neutral but very musical.  It is above your budget new but there are always used on the market. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,244 posts
 

If youcan spend $6k minus discounts the Hegel H390 

is a excellent choice for its not only very good sounding witha nice natural warm 

but the best control  of your drivers especially Bass witha class leading 4000

damping factor none of the competition are even close 

plus it has a very respectable dac , and even has a very good Roon  ready streamer built in and many software upgrades coming . My brother has one and Perrotta consulting gave him a very good deal and free shipping at almost 50 pounds  shipping is very expensive ,Highly recommended and many excellent reviews.

soix
9,830 posts
 

Well, I asked very specific questions before about what sound characteristics you’re looking for but you didn’t answer and just seem stuck on amplifier topology, so I’m out.  I don’t think PBN has ever designed a full Class A amp although I reviewed one of Peter’s Liberty amps that had low- and high-bias settings and I much preferred it in high bias mode.  My guess is his higher-level PBN amps are Class A/B but skewed toward a higher bias that achieves some of the qualities of a pure Class A amp and maybe that’s what you liked, but that’s just a guess.  

andrewkelley
276 posts
 

@nicktheknife

I am in university park, i have 2 class a monos a class a accuphase and a sanders Magtech. The magtech is for sale, it’s not class a but it’s amazing and has basically unlimited power, it has also been upgraded with 6 synergistic fuses, i am selling because im upgrading to a t+a a3000hv. If you want to come listen and compare shoot me a message: I used to be an audio concept’s customer as well

More to discover