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Higher-End Class A/B vs. Class A Integrateds

I’ve been thinking about downsizing from separates to an integrated amp. I’ve noticed that some companies have both class A and class A/B amps that are both pretty expensive such as Luxman for example. Hegel seems to be well received and they’re not true class A as far as I know.

I was kind of under the impression that class A was better than class A/B due to lower distortion yet again, there are some well reviewed class A/B amps that are as pricey as some class A amps.

To be clear, it’s really not the price I’m concerned about. It’s the fact that some integrated amps $5000 and up are still only Class AB.

How do these higher priced class AB amps sound in comparison to true class A amps?

nicktheknife
deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
707 posts
 

I own the Luxman AXII - love the sound, luxman says it’s 30 watts pure class A, but reviews have measured that it’s 30 watts pure class A and after that A-B up to 90 watts. I don’t know who is right, but it sounds great and has enough power for my Harbeth 30.2s, 

It does get hot, though not as bad as tubes. I would say that if you’re looking at new inefficient speakers, you may want more power, although I have not found that to be a problem with the Harbeths. 

inna
7,132 posts
 

I doubt there is anything for $5k used for what you want to accomplish. Just because you are planning to downsize doesn't mean that you are ready to downgrade. 

As others mentioned, I wouldn't pay much attention to whether it is class A or class AB to begin with. It should sound right with your current and future speakers.

jw944ts's avatar
jw944ts
323 posts
 

+1 piebaldpython

I have owned a Pass Labs X250.8  I have only 87 db efficient speakers playing in quite a large room. I play at moderate volumes all kinds of music.  I HAVE NEVER seen the amp leave Class A on the meter....just saying...

blackbag20
403 posts
 

Unison Research have some beefy Class A units ... 

 

I believe The Music Room is a dealer ....

 

https://unisonresearch.com/en/

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,864 posts
 

There are very good class AB integrated amps , Boulder , Gryphons new 333,

accuphase, Luxman ,  if youwant class A Accuphase,and Luxman make them too

up to 100 watts into 4 hours , but they get pretty warm and suck up a ton on electricity, it’s like holding your foot down 24-7 to the gas petal . I owned a pass labs  . What are your speakers ,and  their sensitivity ,at what ohms is most important .

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