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Question about Class A

So I read all the time how awesome Class A Amps/Integrated's (SS and Tube) are.

I currently have a Vincent SV-500 Hybrid and feel it sounds really good.

But I have this itch now to hear what Class A would sound like and would it be a big difference to my current Vincent.

I wanted to ask what are some good Class A Integrated's that I could look into?

I know Pass Labs always comes up and for good reason but those might be a bit out of my budget.

I would say I can probably go to $3K new or used.

Sugden is another brand that I have researched a lot and the A21 retails for around $2500 and there is a dealer in Socal that carries it, so that one is tempting.

Vincent has the SV-237 MK II but I think that is only Class A for the 1st 10 watts into 8-ohms and I have 4-ohm speakers so I am not sure if that would give me any Class A magic. I am sure it would sound similar to my SV-500 but have more base extension.

Could you all recommend any other one's? I have been researching but haven't come across any (SS or Tube).

Thanks

128x128jay73
blackfly's avatar
blackfly
23 posts
 

I personally am a huge fan of Class A.  In the Luxman 509x/590axII issue, one being A/B and the other, respectively, Class A, ask yourself why so many 509x units come up for sale, and not long after being bought, but the 590, a Class A unit, is only rarely for sale.  I think the fact one is Class A is the factor.  Once I experienced it there was no going back.  I am trying to get there myself......

 

blackfly's avatar
blackfly
23 posts
 

Also to point out, there are MANY Luxman M 900u Class A/B units for sale......but the older M 800a Class A units are rarely for sale too and I wonder why.......

jay73's avatar
jay73 OP
219 posts
 

@mesch , as far as AVA HiFi is concerned, I would consider the AMP, not the Integrated or Control Amplifier as they call it.

Either the SET 400 or SET 120 Amps with the Vincent functioning as a Pre-Amp, I think it would make a good combo. As you stated about your previous SV-236, I really would hate to give up my Vincent. It certainly is a sweet sounding unit.

But if I decide on the Sugden, then no, choice, I would have to let it go.

For my sources, I have an external DAC (Queststyle CMA400i), MoFi Studio Deck TT with a Hana SL MC Cart and a Technics SL-G700 SACD Player. So I feel my sources are pretty decent.

Yea, I am not in a rush, need to make sure I get the right unit.

@blackfly , I've never heard the Luxman's but I can imagine they must be awesome, especially the 590 that you refer to. Just way out of budget though. But they are beautiful for sure.

But you stated, I really want to hear what Class A is all about, Hopefully Soon.

brianlucey's avatar
brianlucey
139 posts
 

You’re going down the right road looking for class A, don’t listen to anyone who says that a properly made class D amp has the qualities you seem to seek. A, A/B, D etc. each have a flavor.  Although some A/B are biased for a handful of watts at the top. .

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,615 posts
 

don’t listen to anyone who says that a properly made class D amp has the qualities you seem to seek. A, A/B, D etc. each have a flavor.  Although some A/B are biased for a handful of watts at the top.

IME You can't judge any amplifier by its class of operation. For example class D amps vary in sound just as much as tube amps do- some are quite nice, others make you wonder what the fuss is about. The 'flavor' of any amplifier is essentially its distortion characteristics.  Some designers know this and others don't.

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