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Why do I like Class AB better than Class A?

So I just purchased a Plinius SA 100 MKIII, and have had 2 listening sessions comparing both with the toggle switch. To me clearly the AB is more detailed and focused, the A is warm but a little fuzzy and bloated, although I would give it a slight nod on just vocal songs. Am I just not use to the sound as this is my first A amp or have I not let it properly warm up for class A (1hour or so).
Don't get me wrong, i love the amp, great bottom end slam but I don't hear the holy grail from Class A. Thanks in advance for the input guys.
barfbag
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hi BBag,

To each his own...good to know you've got options! Meanwhile, i am a big fan of Class A...and wonder...what is your source? While your ears are the ultimate judge for you, just since you ask, i will play devil's advocate just for fun. Is the A/B hardening up what might be a less precise source or pre? While A is displaying exactly what you've got upstream? AGain...just playing devil's advocate.

In any event, with Plinius, no doubt you've got great sound no matter what. Enjoy!!!
hifigeek1
770 posts
 
Does this amplifier have enough hours on it to be considered broken in?
barfbag OP
24 posts
 
Hey guys, my source is MacMini running PureMusic, Wyred4Souns DAC 2, Aiff. I think I have solved the issue, I hadn't let her warm up enough, I thought 20 or so minutes was going to be sufficient but it was not, I give her 2 hours+ and is much much better. Though it still prefer AB with busy or complicated music like progressive metal and such. Thanks again
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,701 posts
 
Class AB has more power,that is why you like it better.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
I've owned the SA100 MkIII and the difference between Class A and Class AB isn't that huge though appreciable. Similarly I find the sound to be smoother, warmer, more organic and liquid with Class A. Music sounds leaner, sharper and more crisp in Class AB apart from having a slight edge in speed and transient attack - ideal for rock and music with lots of dynamic swings. With rock and metal, Class AB will be more ideal as music tends to sound slower and thicker in Class A due to the added warmth in the midrange.

Apart from the minute sound differences, Class A operation is also very inefficient. When I had the Plinius I usually listen in Class AB and find it to work well enough across a wide genre of music.
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