2. amps-preamps
  3. 162052-34747

suggestion for a SS class AB amp that sounds like a class A ... if such a thing exists

Looking for an amplifier below 2K for my Altec 620A (99 db efficiency). My actual amp is a Sugden A25B, which has 34 watts/chanel in class AB. Although quite musical, it lacks transparency and details. Of course, the best amplifier would be tube or class A but I'm trying to avoid these because of the heat and the electricity bill (my amp is on all day long). My short list include :

  • Audio by Van Alstine Set-120
  • Ayre AX 7e (used)
  • Sugden Mystro (class AB)
  • Benchmark AHB2 (used)

NOTE : please, no class D since I'm not familiar with it (and pretty skeptic too).
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Showing 2 responses by soix

soix
8,860 posts
 
The Unison Research Unico Primo is a little above your price target but is worth a look as it has a lot of what you’re looking for and you might find one used.  The Primo has tubes only in the input stage, and the amp section is biased to emulate a Class-A type sound.  There was a Stereophile review a few years ago that describes its sonic attributes nicely.  Just another potential option, and best of luck in your search. 
soix
8,860 posts
 
In taking a closer look at your setup I noticed the Sugden only has single-ended inputs and you’re running a 12’ interconnect between it and your DAC.  I’m not sure how much impact this might have on your sound or if the Benchmark has the juice to push the signal that far without it degrading, but if I was running interconnects that long I’d be using balanced interconnects — obviously not possible in your case.  Maybe others can opine more in depth about this, but just thought I’d bring it up as a potential issue. 

That aside, I think you’re pursuing something of a unicorn given what you’re looking for at under $2k and excluding both Class-A amps and tubes.  
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