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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
erik_squires
16,234 posts
 

@dman777  Sorry, I was not at all clear.  I meant, when listening to say a Luxman 509 or 590 or 507, I wonder how much of the tonal character is actually the preamp section, as opposed to the A or A/B output stages?

bubinga
108 posts
 

Audition Pass Labs. Call Mark at Reno Hi Fi. Largest Pass dealer in the USA and maybe the world and a wonderful person, easy to work with.. Has numerous new and used products. Ck website for items in stock. You can audition and return . If return, you are responsible for ship costs only.

steve59's avatar
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steve59
1,783 posts
 

I skipped to the end. My amps drive my conventional{not horn} speakers to +90 db with less than 5 watts peak so get yourself an amp that runs in class a for the first 5 watts or so and above that we're just screamin and dancin' like a pack of drunk indians anyhow right?

testpilot
952 posts
 

@bubinga, Reno HiFi is now permanently closed.  Mark has retired.  

thieliste's avatar
thieliste
824 posts
 

My ex Gryphon Diablo 300 class A/B was outperformed by my present Vitus SIA-025 Mk2 class A and lately my Vitus was also outperformed by a Jadis DA88S KT120 tube class A integrated.

The Jadis is about the same price as the Diablo 300.

This is my experience in the past 2 years.

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