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
 
@soix : I will change my set-up today and get rid of the 12 feet cable... I should have done that a while ago but I'm getting lazy...
decooney
1,906 posts
 
Extra long speaker cables and extra long interconnects with high capacitance can be impactful. Particularly as noted earlier when gear/voltages are not designed to be used with long runs.   

A simple test is to pull all the gear super close together in a room, even with short low grade cables, make everything super short (for a test).  Listen and see if you can hear any difference.      
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
@soix @decooney @onhwy61 I just changed the cable going from the DAC to the Sugden and it did make quite a difference... next step, the cross overs... but that’s gonna take a bit more time... thx all...
decooney
1,906 posts
 
@alaindexe
next step, the cross overs...

FYI, for some added inspiration - peeking over on the DIYaudio site, members were commenting about before and after results from upgrading and refreshing the old Altec 604/620 crossovers with GPA crossovers and replacement parts. Quote, "it added a sense of spaciousness and clarity to the speakers", unquote.
headphonedreams
523 posts
 
Rega has some nice integrateds.
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