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 stehno

Dazzdax, there should be little or no correlation between what seems to be a slower tempo and the purity of the signal.

You are correct that the cleaner the signal the more you want to crank it because it does not sound as loud as previously. That's because we historically have associated loudness with distortion. The greater the volume the greater the distortion. So when a more pure output is generated we have a tendency to think it is not as loud.

As for slower tempo, this generally has much to do with the speed of the transistors (and perhaps other innards).

Amazing how one component made by two different manufacturers can make the tempo sound slow as molasses or lightening quick.

Always something to look out for when purchasing gear. I suggest staying far, far away from any component that you deem to be 'slow'. It's a huge step in the wrong direction as it has nothing to do with musicality no matter what other benefits the component may offer.

-IMO