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equating class A to class AB SS amps?

I am confused about how to equate and compare class A to class AB solid state amps. Is there a conversion factor, or is it not that simple? I have heard people say that "this 30 wpc class A amp is easily equivalent to 150 wpc class AB" etc.

The two top Luxman integrated amps cost about the same. One is the 30 wpc pure class A L-590Aii, and the other is the 120 wpc class AB L-509u. How do these amps equate or compare to each other? Which is more powerful (or are they about the same?)? I am confused!

Regards,

Mark

toronto416

Showing 1 response by paulfolbrecht

paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
An AB amp that is class A to X watts is not equivalent to a class A amp, bear in mind - the distortion spectra are different even within the class A range (and that is largely what defines the sound of an amp). Nelson Pass has an excellent article explaining this on his FirstWatt site.

Furthermore, only a full class A amp can be single-ended as well (as the Pass Alephs are) - that change in topology seems to make an even bigger difference to the sound.

There sure are some great-sounding class AB (SE and PP) amps these days, tho!
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