Class A or Class D solid-state amplifiers (modern designs)


Hey guys.

 

Class A is supposedly superior. Something to do with a conduction angle of 360 degrees...so the entire signal gets processed in one go without crossover distortion.

But in terms of sound quality (subjective enjoyment) is there a benefit to Class A? Can class D provide the same level of enjoyment?

 

The dealer I’m talking to says that really nice Class A amplifiers are designed for "reference quality" meaning completely true to the real life performance.

 

Let’s compare and contrast. Which one is technically better?

 

In other words, could you have equal technical performance and quality in a Class D amp?

 

- Jack.

jackhifiguy

@spenav - much appreciated on the AGD experience - I will probably try and give the Tempo di Gani a listen

 

@twoleftears - appreciate the suggestion

 

Have a great day!

Saying which is better, class A or D is like asking which is better, tubes or solid state. There is no definitive answer. Great and mediocre in all class types. Part personal, part associated equipment, part environment, part 'your' ears also come into play.

@bigkidz 

Thanks for the reply. I have one last question: have any of your creations been reviewed by a third party outsider with no horse in the race, like a magazine?  I am asking this because if you only listen to and compare your amps in your environment and with your specific associated equipment, that gives you a home court advantage. To my mother, I am the most handsome man on earth. While I accept your testimony, I would be interested in knowing what others think. 

@jonwatches1 

 

I have owned quite a few class Ds including; several W4S, PS Audio M 700s, Emerald Physics 100.2 SEs, EVS 1200 (based on dual mono IceEdge AS 1200 modules) plus loads of tweaks. I raved about for over a year, UNTIL, I got a LSA Voyager 350 GaN amp, which was about half the power, but easily twice the authority. It is so night and day from the EVS, that IMO, GaN (at least this one) should not be included in the class D designation