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
Audia Flight Stremento #4 mk 2 sounds like the best class A plus its very musical with plenty of power.
alaindexe’s Altec 620A speakers are close to 100db sensitivity @1w, 4-feet away, right?. Can operate well with two (2) really good watts. Low watt delicacy of targeted 20-30w musical amplifiers like Firstwatt, Sugden, Pucini sound would be the ticket for these speakers.  Quality watts needed more than quantity watts in this case.  

@ebm
Audia Flight Stremento #4 mk 2 sounds like the best class A plus its very musical with plenty of power.
Good grief, is that 28 Mosfets (14 per side) in that Stremento #4? 250/500 watts? https://www.hifinews.com/images/719audia.ins.jpg




@ decooney according to the Altec catalogue, their sensitivity is 100db with 1 watt at 4’ on axis... when I had VOT (A-7), I had a pair of 14 watts Leak mono tube amps and it was plenty... and the VOT we’re 101 db... so yes, a low wattage amp if fine... Any thought on the Audio Sector products (gain clone) ?
Pass Aleph 3.  Yes, I know its class A.

I pair mine with Altec Malibu.

Good luck in your quest, and enjoy in good health, 

Jose.
Well there is no such thing as a Class A sound.I have owned several Class A SS amps and they sounded as different to each other as Class A/B amps. .