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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
andrewkelley
271 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

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,514 posts
 

You need to determine how much power you need, ie speaker efficiency etc before you can even consider a Class A amp IMO.  There are not many Pure Class A amp above 50wpc. Most newer ones are 20-30wpc anything above that is switching into Class A/B. yes there are a couple exceptions. 

stanleylocke
205 posts
 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650001546-musical-fidelity-m5si-integrated-amplifier-black-faceplate-nib/

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.  I realize now that I'm not tied down to class a.   My tubed power amp puts out 40wpc with the EL34 tubes in.  I can get more with the kt88's but I don't seem to need the extra power.

It seems the Krell K-300i puts out supposedly 90 watts class a power so it appears that is pretty much my only option if I want class a power to spare.

After reading some good folks posts, I'm more open to the idea of a smooth sounding class ab integrated that won't sound puny in comparison to a low watt class a amp.

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jazzman7
335 posts
 

+1 for the Coda CSiB. I have the v1 which is 150 watts per channel into 8 ohms with the first 18 watts in class A. I use it to drive a pair of difficult to drive Thiel CS 2.4 speakers, and it handles the task with ease.  Most highly recommended.

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