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Plinius class A vs. class AB sound difference?

I am considering purchasing a Plinius amp. I have read that many audiophiles do not hear a difference in an SA100 when it is switched between class A and Class AB modes of operation. If this is indeed the case, then would a Plinius 8200p (power amp; not the integrated) which is supposedly the same class AB circuitry found in the SA100, sound identical to the SA100?
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Showing 1 response by dburdick

dburdick
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I had an SA100 III and had the same question, so I listened blindly as a friend switched the amp from A to AB with several different types of music. For each song, he switched the amp back and forth, and I indicated which I preferred. For all tests, I preferred the amp (no surprise) in class A. There was more bass, smoother top end (less grainy), and much better depth. For me the difference was big enough that I always preferred the amp in class A, by quite a bit.

I haven't heard the 8200, but I doubt that it sounds as good as the SA100 in class A.
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