2. amps-preamps
  3. 1264482907

Does Class A amplifier artificially smoothen sound

I used to like DVD-A over redbook CD when owning well respected Class AB amplifiers for typical reasons. I don't own many DVD-As and certainly haven't listened to any of them since getting the Pass XA60.5 until now. To those who have Class A amplifiers, don't you find DVD-A music partially reverse some of what you like about Class A amp.? It actually gave me a headache, the same fatigue caused by that artificially intense sound, that same sound distortion I've so gladly escaped when buying the XA60.5 for CD music listening. Now loud live performance can give me deaf ears, but not the same headache as described. At least with what observed, it doesn't seem to indicate smoothness and relaxed mood as characteristics created by Class A amp. to emulate live music. In one case (redbook CD), I can listen to music for hours. In the other case using the same amp. and disc player, I got tired rather quickly (within 30 minutes).
spatine
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,788 posts
 
Spatine, no arguments about the increased resolution of DVD-As! From your comments though, it sounds as if your DAC is creating HF noise which is making it painful. I doubt its the DVD-As myself. Its this comment:

In one case (redbook CD), I can listen to music for hours. In the other case using the same amp. and disc player, I got tired rather quickly (within 30 minutes).

that makes me think the amp has nothing to do with it in this case.
spatine OP
84 posts
 
Atmasphere, I am using the analog out of the Meridian 808, thus its own DAC. Yet with such contrast between CD and DVD-A, this has nothing to do with the Pass XA60.5. Comments thus far seem to support my original thought that what you put in (meaning the source disc) is what you get out. Comments that Class A amplifiers are too relaxing, too sweet, or too pleasant might not be as definitive as some people think. In fact it's the same comments that many people think of all tube amplifiers. I don't think so either, but that is a different subject from the focus here.
bjbcab
131 posts
 
I don't understand how a DVD-A can give you a headache. I don't listen to DVD-A's but I do listen to SACD's and I can't ever remember a situation where my SACD's sounded worse than my SACD's. There may be some artistic license with mixes and multichannel that does not sound "right" but more fatigue from a superior software doesn't make sense to me. Atmashpere's may be on to something. Perhaps there something going on with the DAC.
spatine OP
84 posts
 
Bjbcab, I hear you. Don't ask. What I heard is what I tell everybody. I used to prefer DVD-A over CD back in the days of using Class AB amplifier however. My reasons then were probably about the same as yours.
heiney
6 posts
 
Perhaps the OP should stop by the Pass Labs website and read a few of the articles Nelson has written. Especially the one titled "Leaving Class A".
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