2. amps-preamps
  3. 175659-171875

Class A or Class D solid-state amplifiers (modern designs)

Hey guys.

 

Class A is supposedly superior. Something to do with a conduction angle of 360 degrees...so the entire signal gets processed in one go without crossover distortion.

But in terms of sound quality (subjective enjoyment) is there a benefit to Class A? Can class D provide the same level of enjoyment?

 

The dealer I’m talking to says that really nice Class A amplifiers are designed for "reference quality" meaning completely true to the real life performance.

 

Let’s compare and contrast. Which one is technically better?

 

In other words, could you have equal technical performance and quality in a Class D amp?

 

- Jack.

jackhifiguy

Showing 3 responses by lancelock

lancelock
1,085 posts
 

I just spent several months comparing the AGD Audion mono blocks to my Coda #16 amp and have made my choice. The AGD’s are very, very good. I think they sound spectacular but my Coda has something that I prefer. There is a deep dynamic snap that the Coda produces that I love. It is the best SS amp I’ve ever heard. There is a considerable price difference here and the 110 lbs of the Coda means I’m not moving it by myself.

My dealer says he’s bringing the AGD Gran Vivace over for a listen so we will see how it stacks up to the Coda. Price wise it’s more apples to apples.

lancelock
1,085 posts
 

I have been listening to the Coda #16 with it’s first 100 watts of class A for almost a year now and recently brought in AGD Audion mono blocks. The Coda, to me is the pinnacle of class A goodness. I love the dynamic power. The AGD mono’s are right there with amazing speed and dynamic force of their own. I continue to switch between the two and right now I am leaning toward the AGD as my keepers. Not to mention the AGD is almost half the price of the Coda. So the Coda might be for sale soon.

lancelock
1,085 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara 

I was never able to hear the AGD Gran Vivace but the Audions were superb. I now have custom modded Altec Lansing 1570B mono blocks.

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