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Higher-End Class A/B vs. Class A Integrateds

I’ve been thinking about downsizing from separates to an integrated amp. I’ve noticed that some companies have both class A and class A/B amps that are both pretty expensive such as Luxman for example. Hegel seems to be well received and they’re not true class A as far as I know.

I was kind of under the impression that class A was better than class A/B due to lower distortion yet again, there are some well reviewed class A/B amps that are as pricey as some class A amps.

To be clear, it’s really not the price I’m concerned about. It’s the fact that some integrated amps $5000 and up are still only Class AB.

How do these higher priced class AB amps sound in comparison to true class A amps?

nicktheknife

Showing 2 responses by audioman58

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,877 posts
 

There are very good class AB integrated amps , Boulder , Gryphons new 333,

accuphase, Luxman ,  if youwant class A Accuphase,and Luxman make them too

up to 100 watts into 4 hours , but they get pretty warm and suck up a ton on electricity, it’s like holding your foot down 24-7 to the gas petal . I owned a pass labs  . What are your speakers ,and  their sensitivity ,at what ohms is most important .

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,877 posts
 

If youcan spend $6k minus discounts the Hegel H390 

is a excellent choice for its not only very good sounding witha nice natural warm 

but the best control  of your drivers especially Bass witha class leading 4000

damping factor none of the competition are even close 

plus it has a very respectable dac , and even has a very good Roon  ready streamer built in and many software upgrades coming . My brother has one and Perrotta consulting gave him a very good deal and free shipping at almost 50 pounds  shipping is very expensive ,Highly recommended and many excellent reviews.

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