Class A amplifiers don't exhibit switching distortion.
A Pure Class A amplifier is running 'full out' all the time--AB amplifiers run (about) 5 Watts of output all the time, and when the volume needs exceed that output the B transistors switch 'on' and that's where the so called switching distortion can be heard.
Put it this way. Let's say you own a speaker that's 88db 1W1M which is to say that a steady tone with at 88decibels will create a need for 1 watt of output from the amp. At 91db, you're using 2 watts, then at 94db 4 watts of power.
So, depending on room size listening tastes and program material, right at the edge of the sound exceeding 94 db, the B transistors 'cut in' and therein comes the 'switching distortion'. That distortion is more noticible in some amps than others, depending on too many factors to tend to in this short space.
The Class A isn't necessarily smoothening anything, it just doesn't have the issue of the swich from one bank of transistors to the secondary ones.
I hope this makes sense.
I am not the leading expert on this but know a little about it. If I can answer any questions on this just let me know.
Larry
A Pure Class A amplifier is running 'full out' all the time--AB amplifiers run (about) 5 Watts of output all the time, and when the volume needs exceed that output the B transistors switch 'on' and that's where the so called switching distortion can be heard.
Put it this way. Let's say you own a speaker that's 88db 1W1M which is to say that a steady tone with at 88decibels will create a need for 1 watt of output from the amp. At 91db, you're using 2 watts, then at 94db 4 watts of power.
So, depending on room size listening tastes and program material, right at the edge of the sound exceeding 94 db, the B transistors 'cut in' and therein comes the 'switching distortion'. That distortion is more noticible in some amps than others, depending on too many factors to tend to in this short space.
The Class A isn't necessarily smoothening anything, it just doesn't have the issue of the swich from one bank of transistors to the secondary ones.
I hope this makes sense.
I am not the leading expert on this but know a little about it. If I can answer any questions on this just let me know.
Larry