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Class A into Class AB

What is the goal of a designer who makes intergrated amps that have class A for x amount of watts before it goes into class AB? Are there any examples of this being implemented well? I get this feeling that it’s kind of just a marketing thing...where people think they are getting some quality class A without the very high price tag. I was particularly looking at the CODA CSiB amps where you have three choices of how much of your first watts are class A. I have since found a few other respectable brands that implement this as well. I have yet to come across anyone who has heard much of difference between AB amps and one’s that’s state "first X amount of watts..." Class A/AB. Anyone have any experience with these kind of integrated amplifiers? Just looking for a little bit of understanding as I’m trying to upgrade my amplifier.
tmac1700

Showing 1 response by hshifi

hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello, 
It is not marketing hype. From what I understand the class A/B switches on and off. This lets you have more watts with less amps. It is more efficient and therefore runs way cooler. Most designers bring in the class A just above or below that point where the switching is so you have better sound and don’t notice the gap. So at normal or regular listening levels you are in Class A. When you go higher or the music becomes more dynamic the class A/B takes over. 
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