Looking for a class A low watt power amp recommendation

Thouston · Sep 17, 2017

Anything 20 to 30 watts would do

Mark broadhead said: ↑

I have an older Nelson Pass design - the Forte 1A which depending on how it is biased will run up to 50W Class A. They are also great value on the S/H market. However, when compared directly to my Line Magnetic SET ( 16W ), I prefer the SET by some margin. The speakers I use at the moment are rated around 92 db/w. I notice you use Monitor Audio Silver 8 which are rated around 90/db. I see Stereophile tested them and the lab results gave around 88.5 db/2. Too low for most SET amps. Personally I have always found Marantz gear a little underwhelming. I have not heard the F series Pass amps but you would need more efficient speakers to get the benefit from their design. Class A designs in general produce much less distortion at lower power. As has been stated Class A generally amps produce a lot of heat and have a big power draw.
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Mark broadhead said: ↑

I have an older Nelson Pass design - the Forte 1A which depending on how it is biased will run up to 50W Class A. They are also great value on the S/H market. However, when compared directly to my Line Magnetic SET ( 16W ), I prefer the SET by some margin. The speakers I use at the moment are rated around 92 db/w. I notice you use Monitor Audio Silver 8 which are rated around 90/db. I see Stereophile tested them and the lab results gave around 88.5 db/2. Too low for most SET amps. Personally I have always found Marantz gear a little underwhelming. I have not heard the F series Pass amps but you would need more efficient speakers to get the benefit from their design. Class A designs in general produce much less distortion at lower power. As has been stated Class A generally amps produce a lot of heat and have a big power draw.
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I am using Tekton Impacts. They are rated 96db. In reality, they are probably closer to 92db.

Thouston · Sep 17, 2017

Helom said: ↑

I'm curious, why is it you're seeking a class A amplifier? I get that you like the sound of an M22, but is your A-S2100 not up to snuff, or are you putting together another system?

This cheesy review claims the A-S2100 sounds just as good as an old A/AB CA-2010.

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Putting together another system.

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Looking for a class A low watt power amp recommendation

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Looking for a class A low watt power amp recommendation

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