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Are There Any Inherent Advantages to Class A amps?

All things being equal, power supply size, wpc into 2 ohms and everything else, Is a class A design inherently better than an A/B design? Disregarding the heat issue with class A amps, what makes them so desirable?

I'm saving my money for a pair of used serious monoblocs. I'm thinking a pair of used Pass X-600 monos or a pair of used Krell 750 monos. On the used market, the Krells are approx twice the cost of the Pass monos.

The Krells are pure class A, the Pass are class A for the first 160 watts, then they go to A/B.
mitch4t

Showing 2 responses by tripper

tripper
223 posts
 
http://www.walrus.co.uk/tech/classa.htm
http://www.infodotinc.com/neets/book7/25e.htm
http://www.aikenamps.com/ClassA.htm
tripper
223 posts
 
Good thread guys, thanks for your kind words. BTW, nothing against [or for] Google, but I've always used and liked www.ixquick.com for metasearches [where I searched for class A amp operation]. On systems, Everything is the sum of that which preceded it as Ozfly points out. But Class A does seem to be an excellent point of departure. My single-ended Class A amp has been in my various systems longer than other component. "Only" 50 watts but every one is as sweet and unforced as can be, and has driven a dozen very different speakers with grace and ease. Same for my 35 watt custom 85# brute, truly an iron fist in a velvet glove. Good luck to all, whatever Class you choose! Tripp
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