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Pure class A amplifiers = "slow" amplifiers?

Hi folks, I know this is subject of controversy. In general pure class A has been regarded as the best way in solid state amplification to get the purest sound. In my experience many pure class A solid state amplifiers (Accuphase, Pass Labs, Plinius) sound "slow" and are lacking "dynamics". Do they sound that way because they have less distortion than class A/B amplifiers, I mean sometimes a signal is so pure that one is increasing the volume adjustment knob to get a louder sound. With a very pure sound it seems like music goes slower too (= psychoacoustic phenomenon).

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 1 response by mrtennis

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
it's too easy to generalize. i am auditioning a class a amp with my magnepan 1.6s. i would not use the word "slow" to describe what i hear. my "reference" amplifier(s) is the vtl deluxe 120.

while an amplifier may have a peak in the bass, it may also be extended in the treble. depnednding upon the frequency response, such a situation may be described as "boom and sizzle".

the combination of attenuated treble response combined with an over emphasis in the region 80 to say 150 hz is rare in a class a amp, in my opinion.
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