Class A amplifier choice, need suggestions


What is your favorite class A amp and why? There are many here on Audiogon... Levinson, Krell, Pass Labs, Plinius and an occaisional Accuphase A50V. I am driving Proac Response 3.8s (88dB efficiency). I recently auditioned a Pass Aleph 5 and was stunned by the presentation at only 60wpc.

Your input is much appreciated!
blueswan

Showing 3 responses by marakanetz

wait-a-minute,
class A in terms of rating or class of operation?
basing on the above answers I believe that class A in terms of rating is being searched.
plinius(basically any model) is a great choice when driving low-impedance speakers. SA250 has a long margin of class a(upto 35W?) and than switches to B for more current. McCormacks are all bright and extra-coloured. Pass Aleph 5 is great but has a bunch of limits of performance if played something more than chamber or small-band music.
another great choice is GamuT D200.
I just found out that Plinius amps work in class A to the whole rated power into 8 Ohms. Into 4 ohms they switch to class B depending on the power needs.
to be more precise SA series work in class A at whole rated power in to 8 ohms. that i learned from the manufacturer. i 90% tend to believe due to their huge massiveness of the chasis and real worm sound.