How hot is pure Class A solid state vs. SET?


Generally speaking, would a Class A solid state amp generate a lot more or similar heat as a single ended tube amp? Not surface temp, but the air around it. Tubes get hot, but their surface area is usually very small compared to big heat sinks on a SS Class A amp.

I am thinking about going from an AB SS amp to a Pass Aleph 30, but I am concerned about the heat. I have an Almarro A205A 5 WPC EL84/12AX7 SEP amp that is fine for me in this regard.
eugene81

Showing 1 response by charles1dad

David12 makes a good point, tube type and overall design are factors to consider. My amplifier is 300b SET class A, 8 watts per channel. After being on all day(10-12 hours) the amp and transformers are only warm, never hot.I would think the 845 and 211 tubes as well as their respective power supplies will generate more heat.