2. amps-preamps
  3. 175638-129048

Class-A Amplification and 15 Amp Outlet

Pardon my electrical theory ignorance, but I have always been intrigued by the beauty of Class - A sound, as such, I am actively exploring a purchase. My question is based upon the power draw (even at idle) and the ability of a 15 Amp wall outlet to provide such without tripping. I have looked at the "big boys" from Pass XA160’s, Gryphons Essence Stereo & Antileon EVO to name a few. I do not have the option of installing a dedicated circuit in my unit. So, would I be ok if the electronics (including a DAC/preamp) were on the same circuit?

Thanks!!

128x128jeffreyw

Showing 2 responses by retiredfarmer

retiredfarmer's avatar
retiredfarmer
339 posts
 

You cannot draw more our of the wall than the circuit can provide that is what the breaker is for so you don't overload the wiring in your home and start a fire. And you can get away with putting Amos that draw to many watts at full draw if you under load them also as the amp doesn't have the power available it needs the sound quality goes down more than a little bit. Keep that in mind. 

 

Regards Tom

retiredfarmer's avatar
retiredfarmer
339 posts
 

Well first off I would see what the manufacturer recommends. Secondly you have to remember that anything that makes heat draws big Amps. That is the reason class a amps use more they make heat. As far as sound quality goes you don't want the circuit to ever be the limiting factor I understand that you are limited in your electrical in your house and a good thing you are thinking about it before you spend your money. Don't think the output watt rating of the amplifier has anything to do with it as an example my mark Levinson monoblocks are rated at 150 watts a side and they recommend a minimum of one dedicated 20 amp circuit for each monoblock. Yet there are many HT receivers that have seven channels like seven by one hundred that don't draw near as much as my one channel by 150. By there very nature tube amps don't draw as many amps as a solid state class a operation amp even a class a operation tube amp. A big part of the load on your electrical will be which amp you choose and you are on the absolute right track thinking about what you are doing before spending any Money. Remember that solid state amps are a amp source to control the speaker and tubes are a voltage source that is the main difference. A class a amp only amplifies one half of the wave form the other half is turned into heat so at

idle is is running at full power on one side continuously. That is where the hear comes from. And that heat is a draw on the electrical circuit. The size of the cooling fins on the amp will be a good indication of the power the amplifier draws. The bigger the cooling fins the more power draw. 

 

Regards Tom

More to discover