Class A amplifier alternative?


Hi everyone, 

I am looking for an amp with about 200-300 watt/8ohm/channel for my speakers. People say that Class A is the best to have. However, with this power, Class A amp would be super heavy (for me) The amp at this power is usually 100 lbs or higher. I wonder if there is any other solution here that doesn't compromise the sound quality? My budget is $3000 (used items). 

 

Just FYI, I once tried class D but the sound is very clinical, thin and sterile in my system. 

 

Thank you!

Huy

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2xquanghuy147

Im surprised no one has recommended the LSA Voyager 350 a GaN based amp. There are several excellent thread on AG to check out

 

hth

Has anyone heard the AD-1 amp from tonewinner?

I believe the chinese manufacturer was the OEM for emotiva.

I have a  7 channel from tonewinner for my home theater which is working out great.

If specs are accurate could be a good option as you can switch between class A and AB.

 

300 watts @ 8ohms.

Seems to want heavy class A bias

budget $3k

What your describing will be a multiple of your budget

There is stuff in the class AB range that is "rated" at that kind of power output but I cant recommend them. Heck even some AVRs will hit your 200watt and are easily in your price range but there is a lot more to amps than their power claims.

You have to consider the quality of the watts. What speaker do you want to power?

Hi Huy

I invested in class a solid state for many years, but became more satisfied with tube amps, later.

If you can afford them, used, the Atma-sphere ma1 monoblocs would probably get you there. Maybe, even, their 60 amp, if your speakers are easy to drive.

Oystein

Look for a Class A/AB amp. There are quite a few which are very powerful. They run the first 10 or 20 watts in Class A then switch over to Class AB. Off the top of my head are Pass Labs, Plinius, and I think Parasound.

Ok stuff like your describing such as the x350.8 (among other similars) are indeed what he wants but way over budget

The OP also has to keep in mind that the heavy amps also tend to be better. There is a reason they are so heavy

Call me ignorant but if an amp is 25lbs or something like that i would automatically dismiss it. isolation is both heavy and expensive. Quality power supply is both heavy and expensive. Large custom toroidal transformers are heavy, and expensive. I can go on and on

 

I think your best bet is to keep it closer to 200watt @ 8 ohm and look in the $5-6k new department and hope to get 40-50% off in the used market