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).
128x128alaindexe
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
@decooney : it seems that you were right... (read above)... thx...
jl35
3,938 posts
 
if your vinyl sings then maybe your amp is fine, and your digital chain has some issues. Not only cabling,  but try another DAC, not necessarily a more expensive one...
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
@jl35 : it does seem logical... I'm gonna start with the cable and if that isn't enough, I'll try another dac... if the problem comes from the dac, I'll be greatly disappointed about Benchmark... I spent so much time searching for a decent dac...
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
You can get a used Unison Unico Due Integrated for under 2K.

https://powermodules.com/aria-integrated
decooney
1,906 posts
 
@alaindexe
@decooney : it seems that you were right... (read above)... thx...

alaindexe, 
Thx, we will see. Said the old way, "the proof of the pudding is in the eating".

Disclaimer:  Assuming your current amp is factory original Sudgen and not a copy clone, some have copied that circuit in the A25B, read on if interested.  

"Transparency" and "details" is the Goal, correct?
Was thinking before you move past the cool Sudden A25B amp, are your Altec 620As original, 43 years old? Old dried up caps in the crossovers? Time for updated crossovers, maybe? Speaker surround stiff, maybe needing a refresh or proper update. As many like to say, start with the speakers. It applies here too, worth re-checking.

Contact these guys, maybe send them your crossovers inside your speakers or send your crossovers and the speaker drivers, both. If you are not sure, have a local shop pull it all for ya, box it up, ship it out. Hey, gotta tell ya...You might love that "musical" Sudgen amp all over again with some other upgrades first starting with your speakers, then some good speaker cables and really good IC interconnect cables after, wallah! A modern speaker crossover update, with really good parts can be transforming for a 40+ year old speaker. Followed by great cables after.

If this does not interest you, and you "MUST" jump right now and go buy another amp, send me a message, maybe I’ll take that Sudgen amp off your hands so you can go buy another amp - which might NOT help gain you more transparency. Maybe start here as option-B, just a thought. Root cause analysis can truly pay off some times, start here just for grins :) https://greatplainsaudio.com/jeff-markwarts-corner/


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