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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
nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@zlone,

That's why I've been questioning the whole Class A thing vs. Class AB.  I had noticed integrated amps at close to $10,000 that were Class AB.  I thought, once you got into that price range they would surly be pure Class A.  

I found out that that's not the case and that there are obviously very rich sounding class AB out there to consider.

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@boxcarman 

Right! I see a lot of the Hegel's up for sale some around that price or lower and listeners seem to love the Hegel sound.

nicktheknife OP
194 posts
 

@audioman58 

My speakers are Sonus Faber Lumina III's.  These will probably be upgraded some time in the future but I'm happy with them for now.

The specs are:  

  • Sensitivity: 89 dB SPL (2.83V/1m)
  • Nominal Impedance: 4 ohm

My listening room is 13'L x 12'W x 8' H

My listening position is about 7' from the front of the speakers

I do listen loud at times.

ronboco
753 posts
 

The Boulder 866 is outstanding and well worth an audition. Good luck in your search! 

dhungana's avatar
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dhungana
28 posts
 

The gold note dealer - Rutherford audio - is having a close out sale on their entire line. The PA1175 MK2 sounds good as well as the IS-1000 integrated. Don’t pay the listed price, haggle it down. 

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