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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 1 response by celtic66

celtic66
1,612 posts
 

It's a matter of execution.  I've a Sugden Class A 33 wpc, Luxman A/B 120 wpc. They sound different, but both drive well the ATC 20s, sealed cabinet.  Both exhibit lots of control and drive.

I would suppose the right difficult load could present problems for the Sugden, but I've yet to find that and it's driven lots of different speakers.  The bass from the Sugden is not booming, but it is lightning fast and clean.

Most claimed Class A amps drift into Class A/B after the first few watts anyway.  So then what do we really have?  Just listen with your ears.

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