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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
marqmike
841 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
6,711 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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,475 posts
 
Class D is fine for sub-woofers...lots of power but no finess...Class A has little power but lots of finess
phd
1,320 posts
 
Which is really better, it is like comparing apples to oranges and ultimately depends on what type of music you generally listen to, personal tastes and power requirements. I have heard excellent sound quality from both. Just because Class D is an ideal application for subwoofers because of its efficient power delivery doesn't mean it cannot be engineered and refined to support an excellent two channel system. Please take the time to research both and hear for yourself the differences and then you will see where alot of audiphiles have been.
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