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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 4 responses by unsound

unsound
7,344 posts
 
FWIW, IMHO, in my experience, pure Class A amps TEND to be less forward than Class AB amps. Perhaps to some that might be percieved as "Pure class A amplifiers="slow"amplifiers". I have met a very few individuals who profess a preference for Class AB over class A amplifiers. On the other hand, I have met many who profess a preference for Class A over Class AB amplifiers. I prefer high powered Class A amplifiers. My budget constraints have led me to high powered (as determined by speakers, rooom, etc..), high biased Class A/AB amplifiers.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
Guidocorona, my impression of real Krell amps (pure class A power only amps, no HT or integrateds) is that they are warm, deep, and excell at both micro and macro dynamics. I'm a big fan.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
JohnK I respectfully disagree. Under-powered loudspeakers tend to lack dynamics. Different speakers have different amplification requirements. There are pros and cons for each speaker design. I have yet to hear highly sensitive loudspeakers that perform to my satisfaction.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
JohnK, you can't be serious? Of course I wasn't purporting whats best for you. I was only countering, with what's best for me. I never suggested that YOU under powered your speakers, only that one shouldn't. I do believe that you over simplified your arguments in favor the speakers you seem to prefer, but that's not the issue here.
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