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Class A and B differences?

I have been auditioning the Pass Labs X-250 amp along with the Spectron Digital amp versus my Kinergetics KBA-75 power amp. My system consists of a Sony SCD-777ES, BAT VK-30SE preamp, B&W 803 matrix series II speakers, Acoustic Zen silver ref. ICs, Hologram speaker cables, JPS digital AC and power AC cords along with an Audience power AC cord. I hear the differences between the amps but I was expecting to hear larger differences, like a WOW what have I been missing. The Pass has more detail and seperation but maybe 10% max 15%. Is that the difference between a class A rated amp and a class B rated amp? Or is my Sony CD player or B&W speakers not up to the Pass amp capabilities?

Your comments are appreciated.
bigkidz

Showing 1 response by twl

twl
3,251 posts
 
Personally, I think that 10%-15% is a pretty good increase in performance, when you are getting up into the higher levels. Remember, you get into that "diminishing returns" area at some point, where you have to pay alot more for each little increase in performance. At the top of the scale, a 15% improvement would be astonishing, and costly.

As far as Class A and Class B are concerned, the quality of implementation is the key, and not always just the A or B classes that may make the difference. A real good Class B design may sound better than an inferior Class A amp. It is generally accepted, though, that well done Class A amps will give the most sonic purity.

I can't comment on your exact comparison, as I have no experience with those amps personally.

And yes, the quality of the speakers and source will have a direct bearing on the sound that you get out of the amp.
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