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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 deadhead1000

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deadhead1000
709 posts
 

I own the Luxman AXII - love the sound, luxman says it’s 30 watts pure class A, but reviews have measured that it’s 30 watts pure class A and after that A-B up to 90 watts. I don’t know who is right, but it sounds great and has enough power for my Harbeth 30.2s, 

It does get hot, though not as bad as tubes. I would say that if you’re looking at new inefficient speakers, you may want more power, although I have not found that to be a problem with the Harbeths. 

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