Pure class A amplifiers = "slow" amplifiers?


Hi folks, I know this is subject of controversy. In general pure class A has been regarded as the best way in solid state amplification to get the purest sound. In my experience many pure class A solid state amplifiers (Accuphase, Pass Labs, Plinius) sound "slow" and are lacking "dynamics". Do they sound that way because they have less distortion than class A/B amplifiers, I mean sometimes a signal is so pure that one is increasing the volume adjustment knob to get a louder sound. With a very pure sound it seems like music goes slower too (= psychoacoustic phenomenon).

Chris
dazzdax
Yeah, I did the same thing and could not find the Amp's topology on your website. I know you and I have talked about this, Jim, and you think highly of these amps designed by ex employee of MBL, and you might have mentioned which type Delta Amps are but it escapes my memory at this time.
Symphonic Line Kraft amps are pure class A and maybe the fastest sounding solid state amps out there. It all depends on the implementation.

Dealer Disclosure
Guido,

The SINE "Kosmos" conductor is an alloy of metals including silver. It goes through an 8-step process that alternates annealing and deep cryo (4 each) to achieve a conductivity higher than silver (and of course copper and gold).

Extraordinary sound.

We are receiving some other models ("Coliseum II" and "Cassio") that use some of the technology in the Kosmos series including carbon powder to absorb micro vibrations and in-line RFI/EMI. Also will receive a batch of the wall outlets w/platinum plating using a ultra high grade outlet. All is deep cryoed.

I expect SINE will become a reference in power and cable products...I'm that imprressed!

Jim Ricketts/tmh audio
Thank you Jim, unfortunately 'greater than Silver' does not mean anything to me. I am glad the product also uses graphite powder to its advantage. Graphite is naturally abundant,
inexpensive, and easy to work with. Any more hard info you can share about Sigma Delta Amps?
Guido,

The SINE "Kosmos" custom alloy conductor's higher conductivity should relate to faster, easier flow of current or signal. Sonically, it has the vivid, liquid transparency of the Delta Sigma amps & preamps & BOW ZZ-8 CD player we are re-introducing to US market.

Re: the Delta Sigma electronics, obviously much is proprietary. The 3Mhz circuit (flat within 1db) is amazingly fast thanks to the ultra wide bandwidth. But that liquid transparency I mentioned above is so like a great OTL amp...but with strong, vice-like grip on bass dynamics and an upper end that is so airy and delicate. I've simply never heard anything as pure and powerful as the Delta Sigma...including $350k monoblocks.

During CES2008 where we introduced Delta Sigma NP Integrated and Manger's 109-AG ultimate monitor, we received numerous compliments on how lifelike piano sounded. Some people in the hallway entered thinking we had a real piano playing.

After the "North Pole" reference linestage arrives later this month, I'll post some additional comments. After hearing it in Italy, I can't wait!

Jim Ricketts/tmh audio