Need a modern Class A monoblock, preferably half or compact chassis

@carlsbad2 I would never be ampless. I have 4 amps sitting here waiting to sell and oe on order. buy something used that you can listen to and resell whenever you feel like it wtih minimal loss.

You just made me feel better about having other nice amps sitting here.

Have no reason to sell or buy another, all is great, yet might do it anyhow, LOL!

Hi All, I was about to post a thread and found this one posted by @sayas.

>> 30 to 40 watt Class A solid state monoblocks are a future target for me <<

For an upcoming consolidation project, I’ll be looking for a pair of dedicated 30 to 40 watt dedicated Class A solid state mono blocks. Real iron transformers for me, and I’m all about the right iron too. Why? I’m really liking my Jon Soderberg nicely upgraded Forte’ 3/1a Class A 50w amp so much, now I want dedicated monoblocks of the same. Not sure I need old massive Thresholds either. Old Alephs run too hot for me, so finding a delicate balance monoblocks is my search.

No Class A/AB amps. Only interested in dedicated Class A monoblocks. Loving the form factor of the new KWA 99 Monoblocks, I just dont want or need 200w at 4ohms. Smaller form factor, dedicated Class A 30 watt would be right in the pocket, with fewer output transistor like Nelson does. Coda has too many opts imo. 

No I cannot afford nor will I splurge on Nelson’s new Firstwatt SIT-5 monos. yes, super nice, but looking for someting about half the price and must be Black. :) I shared a note with Nelson I’ll wait 5 years when the SIT-10 comes out and maybe buy a pair of SIT-5s 2nd hand LOL. Sorry, not into making this into another GaN or Class D thread. Will leave that to other threads.

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Ask:

Other ideas and mentions appreciated, tagging on to this thread, and I’ll start building the wish list as I start selling other stuff off next few years, maybe. Thanks in advance.

@atmasphere decooney Isn’t it more about the sound rather than the class of operation?

Great question and I use to think so. Now I’m not quite certain any more. I was exposed to new doors through a local tech friend who use to work for Threshold. He’s still repairing and upgrading amps. Past 45 year most of my SS amps were all formerly Class A/AB. My current SS amp was re-configured last summer from Class A/AB 180w to pure Class A 50w, transformer retapped and circuit reconfigurations and such as strongly recommended. I went for it. Glad i did.

Pure Class A now, same amp reconfigured I notice the following benefits in pure Class A for whatever reasons. 

1. Smoother sound, a little more texture

2. Better separation of instruments. Oddly closer to tube in a way

3. New layering is present I do not recall hearing prior

4. More to the bottom end it seems, not imagining this

5. Weighs less now, easier to lift - just kidding, lol.

I like this reconfigured SS amp so much i now want to try the same but in pure class A monos. This is what I’m going off of. I still have my other mono tube amps that i rotate in/out.

Thanks Ralph @atmasphere for the note. Got it.  Yes, I try to read all of the reviews on all GaN and Class D amps, including reviews and feedback about yours too. Great progress on yours. Maybe I'll get a chance to hear them at a show some day.

Do you have any future plans to show your Class D amps paired up with speakers a bit larger and more demanding than Fritz' little gems?

@photon46 ...and Luxman m700u amps I also own but have that class A sound that distinguishes them from the others. 

I peeked at the KWA 99 monoblocks some, kinda pricey, using the Exicon Lateral Mosfets, and not sure if they are more of a Class AB type sound -or- if they really offer a pure type Class A sound for the first 12 watts etc.  

You know, and compared to your Luxman. Do the KWA 99s really have that pure Class A sound or is it something in between really?  

Thanks @photon46 for sharing and congrats on the amps and the journey. It will be great to learn more about your thoughts as everything settles in for you. Yes, agree what occurs might not translate to another - yet your thoughts are appreciated in any case. For me to try a pair beyond a demo, Id end up likely having to let go of my best mono block tube amps and sell one of my Class A solid state amps/preamps. Not enough out there yet on them to pry either away from my audio space :). I’ve noticed a few pars come up for sale listed as new, used, demos. Learning what someone came from, tried, and went to next - is always interesting and greatly appreciated as many share here on Agon, so Thanks in any case!