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Class A amps or Class D??: Which sounds better??

Amplifier performance and synergy depends on the other components, and cables in a system. I have read alot about the advantages of Class A.amps Though an older amp design, do class A amps necessarily sound better than Class D digital amps like Nu-Force, Bel Canto, and Wyred4Sound?? These class D amps supposedly run more efficiently, with less heat and noise and are smaller in size.

I have a friend who has a Musical Fidelity A3CR power amp and a Bel canto pre-amp, and a pair of Spendor floorstanders. The MF amp is at least 10 years old, and no longer made. I have listened to the amp in his system, and it does sound very good. Most noteably is its across the board smoothness. However, I think its performance is system dependent, and might be a liability in other systems. Would like to hear comments and opinions about these two amp "designs", and if one sounds better than the other, OR JUST DIFFERENT.

BTW, I am not sure that owning a 10 year old amp like the MF A3CR is a good idea, despite its class A rating, and a few positive consumer reviews I have seen. Thank you
sunnyjim
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I'd suggest that rather than just comparing Class D amps with Class A amps of the same power levels, compare them at the same price points, or for those that need to regularly transport their amps, the same sizes and weights, or any combinations there in.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
Blah blah, and, of course, blah. Isn't this question (at least the subjective qualitative opinions part) like asking, "What's better...6 cylinder cars or 8 cylinder cars?" If the only thing defining an amp is its operating class, the world is too simple and I want off.
marqmike
839 posts
 
I suggest we get the quantum physics people on this and get the real skinny because I cannot trust my ears. However in china we do trust.
2chnlben
595 posts
 
What is being written about the new N-Core technology sounds like a real game-changer. Pricey stuff though...Class D just got a whole lot better (than class A..? Well, that's what's being said by some industry leaders)...read up folks.
wolf_garcia
6,695 posts
 
I think tubes are more fun than any newfangled technology...do the Class D modules glow and burn your fingers when you check the bias? No. I rest my case.
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