Class A or A/B amps

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by motorcitydave, Jun 23, 2012.

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  1. motorcitydave

    motorcitydave Enlightened Rogue In Memoriam Thread Starter

    Location:
    Las Vegas, NV, USA
    Well, that's cool...I leave my Bryston A/B amp on all the time. I think with most A/B designs, it sounds better left on all the time.
     
  2. coopmv

    coopmv Newton 1/30/2001 - 8/31/2011

    Location:
    CT, USA
    Not sure how much keeping the tube amp on all the time will shorten the lives of those tubes, though doing this to a SS amp may be advisable ...
     
  3. motorcitydave

    motorcitydave Enlightened Rogue In Memoriam Thread Starter

    Location:
    Las Vegas, NV, USA
    Whoops, I was referring to solid state amps. :D
     
  4. rbbert

    rbbert Forum Resident

    Location:
    Reno, NV, USA
    A brief summary:

    "doubling down" of amplifier power relates to power supply capacity, not type of operation (A, AB, B, D, ect.)

    A number of high quality AB amps actually run class A up to fairly high wattage (anywhere from the first 15 to 60 watts or so); given that most listening (by far) is done with the first 15 watts (or less) definitely something to consider.

    Some of your (vegasdave) previous posts re: budgetary constraints suggest you can't really afford the amount of power you need if you want pure class A amplification.

    JMO, of course
     
  5. motorcitydave

    motorcitydave Enlightened Rogue In Memoriam Thread Starter

    Location:
    Las Vegas, NV, USA
    I understand that about "doubling down."

    I did? Well, I'm going to audition an Accuphase Class A amp later this year. That patrticular one, the older A-45 is within my budget. But, I got my sights set on the newer A-46 or the A-65. I'd rather get the A-65 because of the greater power, bigger caps, and bigger transformer. Also, when bridged, these amps are very powerful. So, we'll see what happens...
     
  6. coopmv

    coopmv Newton 1/30/2001 - 8/31/2011

    Location:
    CT, USA
    You will need to get another AC unit to help cool down your house after you get your new class-A amp ... :D

    Instead of looking for a tube amp for my study, perhaps I should just look for a class-A SS amp.
     
  7. motorcitydave

    motorcitydave Enlightened Rogue In Memoriam Thread Starter

    Location:
    Las Vegas, NV, USA
    Nah, I got central air. I'll be purchasing in the late fall, early winter at the earliest, so no worries until next summer. :D

    Perhaps, I don't think you could go wrong. :cool:
     
  8. coopmv

    coopmv Newton 1/30/2001 - 8/31/2011

    Location:
    CT, USA
    BTW, Luxman also has an integrated that operates in class-A mode until it hits 20 watts, which is plenty of output power for most people. Above 20 watts, it operates in A/B mode ...
     
  9. motorcitydave

    motorcitydave Enlightened Rogue In Memoriam Thread Starter

    Location:
    Las Vegas, NV, USA
    Cool, I might check that one out. :cool:
     
  10. Metralla

    Metralla Joined Jan 13, 2002

    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    As does the John Curl-designed Parasound JC1 power amp - very well priced now on the used market.
     
  11. darkmatter

    darkmatter Gort Astronomer Staff

    Be interested to see other reviews of this amp
     
  12. coopmv

    coopmv Newton 1/30/2001 - 8/31/2011

    Location:
    CT, USA
    To be sure, class A amp costs significantly more in the US ...
     
  13. motorcitydave

    motorcitydave Enlightened Rogue In Memoriam Thread Starter

    Location:
    Las Vegas, NV, USA
    Well, since this thread has been resurrected, I didn't quite make it to buy back then. Hopefully, hopefully, in 2014...:D
     
  14. ls35a

    ls35a Forum Resident

    Location:
    Eagle, Idaho
  15. Brother_Rael

    Brother_Rael Senior Member


    The distributor for the UK - Audio Sanctum - went under a couple of years back alas. They're a good brand though. Occupy a similar space to Emotiva I think. You can still buy from their website however.
     
    darkmatter likes this.
  16. darkmatter

    darkmatter Gort Astronomer Staff

    Thanks will check that out, wonder how load tolerant it is?
     
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