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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 ja_kub_sz

ja_kub_sz's avatar
ja_kub_sz
254 posts
 

@nicktheknife

Well, as far as class A amps having a certain sound IDK. As far as class A/B amps having a certain sound IDK?

But my own personal exposure leads me to think "different amps sound different" regardless of their class. This sadly won’t take you to quick and easy answer.

I presently have two pairs of "similar" but different monoblock amps both putting out similar numbers 450w@8o and 850w@4o, and 600w@8o and 1200w@4o. Parasound JC1+ and Luxman M-10x. These amps sound nothing alike. One 25w Class A, the other 12w Class A, but yet very different sound signature. Both great amps, and yes I do prefer the M-10x, but still they look the same on paper, yet are very different in sound.

Secondly I have two "similar" but different Intergarated amps both again putting out either 30w@8o Class A, 120w@8o AB, 200w@4o AB, or 150w@4o and 300w@8o AB. Riviera Labs Levante and Technics SU-R1000. These amps sound again nothing alike yet both have exquisite charm and character.

The type of amplification is secondary to the amplifiers design, I believe this to be very true and based on my own personal exposure I see and hear this every day.

Matching amps to speakers is yet another layer of detail to apply, and shades the character of both your amp and speaker.

I personally love the SU-R1000 for all that it offers and feel it’s an incredible amp in the 5-8k range, especially for vinyl. I feel it’s phono capabilities are on par with what I hear from my Mola Mola Tambaqui whilst listening to digital sources, even with a reasonably affordable MC cartridge ($500-1,000 range).

The Levante is intoxicatingly seduction and has power output options in spades, has a phenomenal headphone amp, and tube rolling potential to boot. 14-20k price range.

I also really love the Cambridge Audio Edge A from all that I’ve heard 3-6k, but enjoyed the Cambridge Azur line 851a which was one forth the price.

I haven’t heard, but have always been interested in the Michi line products as far as Intergarated amps go.

All would most certainly pair well with your Sonus Faber speakers.

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