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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 yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 
I find the Class A amps that I have owned smoother sounding than AB amp that I have owned. The CODA CSiB is a good integrated amp. I had Version 1 with the most Class A watts. I still own the KRELL K-300i integrated which does not put out a lot of heat and has the first 90 watts in Class A. I liked it more than the CODA CSB so Is sold the CSiB and kept the KRELL.

I also have the CDDA 07x and CODA #8 (Version 1). I like that combo more than the CSiB. Last week I heard the CODA #16 with the CODA 07x and it was easily better sounding than my #8. The #16 has the first 100 watts in Class A. It sounded smoother than the #8 and with more clarity. The CODA #16 was not that hot. Maybe I needed to play it for a few hours at loud volumes?

I have also had 3 Class D amps recently. Which were enjoyable but sold mainly because I liked the CODA gear a bit more.
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