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My 30 Watt class A is louder than my 100 Watt Class AB?

Curious observation…

I had just done some work on my DIY Hiraga 30 Watt Class A amp, and decided I would do an A/B comparison with my Adcom GFA 545.

To my great surprise, when I switched from the Hiraga to the Adcom, leaving everything else in the set up the same, and when I turned the music back on, it needed to be turned up to play at the same volume.

Input impedance is different, and I’m wondering if this is what could be causing this counter intuitive finding? Hiraga is around 33K and the Adcom around 100K.

Wondering if anyone has any thoughts as to why this is what I’m experiencing.

Thanks

 

perkri

Showing 1 response by pcrhkr

pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
261 posts
 

I compared a 100w / Channel Shiit Vidar against a 50W / Crown amp. The Vidar had slightly more low-end punch, but the 45yr old 50W Crown amp left it behind when it came to loudness with no distortion. I am not sure why?  When I got a 30W tube amp running KT 77s it seems louder than both with greater dynamics.  I was amazed, but happy!  I think tubes have higher gain. I am sure some electrical engineer could explain. 

 

 

 

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