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

@soix

Yes, I am nothing but an amalgam of Internet myths without the ability to independently validate the veracity of anything. 

@soix 

My response was not AI generated. For reference I used my own knowledge, and refreshed it using items such as Tremaine's Audio Cyclopedia, Wikipedia, and ChatGPT because their all decent research tools.  Other than referencing them (properly) to provide further backup, everything was written by me. 

As for me, I’m an old analog electronics engineer since the 70’s who’s designed 6-track sound-on-film equipment, record cutting equipment, amps, crossovers, speakers and theatrical and roadshow sound systems.

I own a Pioneer M-22 class-A (which I can cook eggs on) and am presently rebuilding an HK Citation 11 pre.  In addition to these around my house I use a Revox A-77, a rebuilt Accuphase E-202, a dBX 1231 1/3-octave EQ, a Cambridge Audio DACMagic 200M, an Anthem Statement, an Arcam CD37, a Nakamichi cassette deck, and a JVC-QLY55F turntable with AT and Shure carts, a Sony STR-V35, a Denon AVR, and an assortment of Sonos devices.  I use REW for system setup.

Hope this answers your question.

@nicktheknife check out Norma ipa 140 integrated at Audio Thesis in Arlington.

@nicktheknife

Well, as far as class A amps having a certain sound IDK. As far as class A/B amps having a certain sound IDK?

But my own personal exposure leads me to think "different amps sound different" regardless of their class. This sadly won’t take you to quick and easy answer.

I presently have two pairs of "similar" but different monoblock amps both putting out similar numbers 450w@8o and 850w@4o, and 600w@8o and 1200w@4o. Parasound JC1+ and Luxman M-10x. These amps sound nothing alike. One 25w Class A, the other 12w Class A, but yet very different sound signature. Both great amps, and yes I do prefer the M-10x, but still they look the same on paper, yet are very different in sound.

Secondly I have two "similar" but different Intergarated amps both again putting out either 30w@8o Class A, 120w@8o AB, 200w@4o AB, or 150w@4o and 300w@8o AB. Riviera Labs Levante and Technics SU-R1000. These amps sound again nothing alike yet both have exquisite charm and character.

The type of amplification is secondary to the amplifiers design, I believe this to be very true and based on my own personal exposure I see and hear this every day.

Matching amps to speakers is yet another layer of detail to apply, and shades the character of both your amp and speaker.

I personally love the SU-R1000 for all that it offers and feel it’s an incredible amp in the 5-8k range, especially for vinyl. I feel it’s phono capabilities are on par with what I hear from my Mola Mola Tambaqui whilst listening to digital sources, even with a reasonably affordable MC cartridge ($500-1,000 range).

The Levante is intoxicatingly seduction and has power output options in spades, has a phenomenal headphone amp, and tube rolling potential to boot. 14-20k price range.

I also really love the Cambridge Audio Edge A from all that I’ve heard 3-6k, but enjoyed the Cambridge Azur line 851a which was one forth the price.

I haven’t heard, but have always been interested in the Michi line products as far as Intergarated amps go.

All would most certainly pair well with your Sonus Faber speakers.

Just to be clear, I think class wars for amps are silly.  The OP and other readers should buy what they like the sound of without much concern for the amplifier "class" except perhaps for heat and weight issues which buyers should also consider as part of the total cost of ownership.

The idea that a class is "best" isn't what my ears tell me.  There are some megabuck class-A amplifiers I can't stand, and some Class D amps I'd buy over them every time.

Class D, like Class A, suffers from legendary social memory about the technical differences which is often wrong or outdated. 

Far better, IMHO, to compare Luxman's Class A integrated to the Luxman A/B units. Listen for yourself with your speakers to decide.  The specs are (except for power consumption) kind of irrelevant.