Need a modern Class A monoblock, preferably half or compact chassis
Anyone here know anyone that might know if something like this may be available before year end. I am currently ampless, beginning to suffer withdrawls…wishing for Pass Labs to release an XA30.8 like powered amp, split into 2/3 scale monoblocks with xs or xa or ?? designator with Balanced Input.
XA60.8 is the logical choice if nothing shows up this year, but until I pull the trigger, alien monoblocks could distract me, for instance Valvet A4.5, from getting what I truly desire.
The current XA30.8 is the dream split into a modern Pass Labs monoblock.
FW is too focused and limiting to consider.
Anyone know of this possibility on the horizion for an XA30.88
atmasphere, name or show me a link for three to consider, I am not against the technology but so far none really seem worthy to pursue. I did contact one mfg. recently on their brand new product... no response
@sayasIf you want something that has the best of what class A has to offer I can think of three just off the top of my head
GaNFETs have been around well over ten years at this point.
Finally, were I to make a change to D it would make sense to have speakers that were developed with the technology...
I run my class D amps on horn speakers made by Classic Audio Loudspeakers. They are intended for low power class A tube amps but work fine with the class Ds. I don't think you need to have a speaker as you describe; if it works with a class A amp it will work with class D too.
h45 I like your thinking, though I am not that guy, I appreciate the effort!
rate and describe your experience
As most here know, the "synergy" of a system is important. Ok, well what does "synergy" come to, in practical, experience-able terms? That requires some "taste-testing."
The more sonic combinations I sample, the more refined my discrimination gets. Having different amps and preamps allows me to produce different combinations which sound bad or good — and which I cannot discover with only one preamp-amp-speaker pairing. Sonic description is somewhat tricky, so let me go to food.
There’s a delicious combination one finds in cobbler — buttery, sweet, crunchy. That flavor experience is unique and not something one finds in, say, creme brûlée — which is smooth, creamy, milky. Both of these also differ from, say, fruit cocktail — citric, fibrous, watery, crunchy.
The point of these food analogies is that the ingredients' "synergy" in each 'good' experience is different. Unless one tries very different synergies, one cannot know the variety of good experiences out there. Same with preamp-amp-speakers.
The other main service that multiple combinations provide is to point out the limitations of my speakers. If I am seeking a certain kind of sound and I’m not getting it with any combination, then it’s the speaker’s fault. (I’ve tried to dial in my room and subs as much as possible.)
It is a LOT of fun switching between amps. It's not ambivalence, it's variety. Add in changes to preamps (tube and SS) and there are a lot of combinations to try.
I have not heard the Atmasphere and AGD GAN amps but have owned 3 other GAN amps that I liked a lot. Only issue for me was the limited power on the 2 amps I owned. My speakers are not easy to drive. The third amp, the PeachTree GAN400, had enough power but it was a good amp for the price, not great (used $1000). The other GAN amps I had were modded and were very good.
However, the Class A amps I have had were better in power and sometimes sonics. The ugly looking KRELL DUO XD lineup, the latest CODA amps, and even my Schitt Aegir. The KRELL is very similar to the Westminster that was mentioned earlier. Other than the Aegir the Class A amps I have owned were not that hot to the touch.
You should read reviews of some of the newer GaN amps if you haven’t already and specifically Atmasphere and AGD for your price range. Many people have let go of their prized Class A or A/B and even tube amps for these and several have termed them “end-game” amps. If there’s a trial period for the Atmasphere GaN or AGD Tempo di GaN amp I think it’d be well worth your time/energy to do so, and I believe both are upgradable so as new/improved amp modules are developed you have that nice option if desired. Again, read the reviews — these are not your father’s Class D amps so try to keep an open mind. FWIW, and best of luck.
I am familiar with Class A, the sound fits my ear. I like the reliability of SS and haven't heard a D amp to pique my interest.
atmasphere, name or show me a link for three to consider, I am not against the technology but so far none really seem worthy to pursue. I did contact one mfg. recently on their brand new product... no response
I don't have access to a local audio shop so I am reliant upon reviews, reading between their lines, or excited owners stating this is the best ever amp ever, but mainly the major audio show best rooms generally do not include Class D in their set ups.
Finally, were I to make a change to D it would make sense to have speakers that were developed with the technology... until someone demonstrates superiority, it is too early to begin consuming GaaN chips in metal containers.
This is my first post here but I have read many discussions and bought/sold here and on USAM for years. I've read several of these monoblock amplifier threads and have yet to see the Kinki Studio EX-B7's mentioned. I know they are not Class A, as the OP asked for, but they are a roughly half-width form factor and are Srajen at 6moons reference amps so I figure they must be really good. I have never heard the B7 monos, but own the stereo Kinki Studio EX-M7 and find it to be a very musical and neutral sounding amp without any obvious flaws. I am considering an upgrade to the B7 monos hoping to get a more "relaxed" sound. If anyone has any experience with the B7's, I would love to hear your thoughts/impressions. FYI, based only on a review I read, the Valvet A4's mentioned above seem like a great fit for my tastes/system, but my budget won't stretch that far!
FYI, the rest of my system consists of the following (most of which was purchased used): W4S STP-SE Preamp, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, Auralic Aries G1 Streamer, Acora SRC-1 speakers, dual Vandersteen subs, and mostly TWL cables.
Hopefully I'm not breaking any forum rules with this post! If so, please let me know.
"The heart of the amplifier is a 40W true Class A amp (never operates outside of Class A) designed by Hugh Dean. based on the Alpha Nirvana amp topology, which provides a beautiful harmonic profile, clean and clear sound with low distortion, slamming bass from low negative feedback circuit, and a background that is absolutely quiet and noise free for the blackest of black notes. Most of all though, the Alpha Nirvana topology makes your toes want to tap, and your heart race,..."
seems steep for a 17 year old design that may need capacitors and ???
They were built in 2021 so only a few years old. BTW the price is in Canadian $ and would equate to about $7200 USD and is probably negotiable. Doesn’t have a standby switch, but does Pass? FWIW.
The Clayton are of interest except for their age and lack of a stand by switch and then there is the price, seems steep for a 17 year old design that may need capacitors and ???
Still hoping for Pass to release XA30.8leph monoblock
I have their 3channel 400A Purifi and a pair of these 704 Purifi monoblocks.... price to performance ratio is hard to believe once you hear them (or "don’t hear them") I feed them from a BAT/Balanced Audio Technology preamp via XLR and the auto-turn-on feature is a bonus.
Just get a pair of 60.8s. Pass is highly unlikely to release a smaller form factor amplifier. It would require retooling the metalwork for just one model that would probably have limited appeal anyway and the tooling cost would have to be reflected in the price as well.
@carlsbad2I 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!
soix, agreed, the Valvet seem valid, reminding me of Alephs or British Fidelity A1, sweet sounds no doubt. I like the idea of silver wiring that may help speed up the amp... without hearing Valvet it is an obvious crapshoot to my bias.
Erik, loved riding motorcycles on tracks like Barber, Miller and ThunderHIll, no licence necessary.
True, I want something that isn't available, but after having Alephs and an .8 it is tough to accept less involved experience. When you consider the progress of PL, few other manufacturers match their universe.
FWIW I currenlty own more than 82 days of curated music that plays first thing each morning through a Yamaha 4000. In my world, maximizing life is about best choices and getting to the marrow.
I'm thinking of my friend who spent years trying to decide what motorcycle to get, without ever even getting his license. He ended up getting married and never ever getting on the road.
This sounds kind of like that, only you seem to be pining for something that doesn't even exist yet. I can think of a dozen brands that are a lot better than no music at all.
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.
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