Pure class A amplifiers = "slow" amplifiers?

Hi Chris,

I notice that you are using Furutech wall outlets (cryoed)...are they the gold version?

In my set up, i used to have the top of the line Gold outlets...they kind of "muddied" the low end which kind of resulted in a slower sound...

When i changed over to Hubbell 5362 (normal and uncroyed), the sound seemed to lighten up.

SO you may want to consider changing one or two of your wall outlets to some other brand to test.

Also, i have found power cords to slow down the sound of a component. For example, when i use a warmer cord (copper) versus silver, on the Pre or the source, the dynamics slowed...

On the amps, i used to use Black Sands Silver Ref Mk5 and they sped up the amps...

What this showed me that if you use warm (cord) and warm (components), things sound richer (maybe quiet) but could slow things down....this is where the synergy thing works i suppose.

Oh wow, you guys mean that I can really change the time signature on a song by getting a different amp? I always thought that Bernstein takes Dvorak a bit too slowly. . . what amp should I select to speed up playing time by about 20%?

My experience is that Class A amps provide a fuller sound which I believe is more realistic to the original performance. Class AB or Class B amps add crossover distortion when they transition from Class A to B. I believe this sounds like adding an edge to the music, especially transients, which accentuates the leading edge of the transient at the expense of the follow-thru. This sounds "sharper" or faster. However this leads to listener fatigue over time and is particularly noticable on "hot" recordings which can sound almost unlistenable in some instances. Obviously there are more variables which make an amp sound different than another one. I heard a demonstration once of amps whose only difference was at what point they transitioned to Class B i.e. at 5 watts or full Class A. Class AB sounded as I described above. I much preferred the Class A. It wasn't a night and day difference but was noticable.

Guidocorona, LOL.

Other than making sure your power is enough to command the A1's, maybe the accuphase pre is adding some fudge...nice sounding but not speed racer! Try a used Krell stereo amp with a KCT...should be warm and fast.