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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
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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Class D is fine for sub-woofers...lots of power but no finess...Class A has little power but lots of finess
phd
1,314 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.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,800 posts
 
OK, how many of you looked up price/performance curves I mentioned?

I don't mind you going off on me, but look at the curves. Class D is about 12-15 years old. Class A is about 80 years old.

In terms of technology class A is considered mature, with are all sort of variations and embodiments (SET, push-pull transistor, etc). Class D OTHO is still developing. Hence my comments about it being a rising star. Sounds like the N-Core might be part of the next step in its development, I am sure time will tell- let's see what we are talking about in 2 years.

If you don't have confidence that it will still be the ticket in 2 years then you have an innate understanding of price/performance curves and how a technology matures.

I have confidence in sticking to my observations so far. I don't have confidence that those observations will still be the thing 2 years from now- the technology is changing that fast. From a business point of view this means I have to keep an eye on it; class D has certainly challenged conventional transistor art, such that many companies have already 'switched' over :)
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