#11
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Hi guys,
Maybe a silly question, but is there a way to compare Class A amps with ´´normal´´ Class A/B amps when it comes to power? Class A amps have lower outputs but a higher current, so how does this actually work? For example when we take two amps that have the same price (at least they do in my country, they both are priced at €16.000,-), the Pass Labs XA100.5 and the McIntosh MC601. Is the Mac really that more powerful, or is there a way to compare the different designs? Keeping their sound character in mind of course. |
#12
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If you're asking which amp in your example will supply more power to the speaker load, the MAC wins even at lower impedances. The reason Class A amps are usually not really high power is because they would be massive and draw boatloads of power from the wall (Krell has designed a few like that - pretty unpractical for most installations). When you say they have "lower outputs but higher current". They're not supplying any more current to the speaker than a class A/B amp (at the same power level), but they are generally drawing more power from the wall. The bottom line on Class A amps -> because they are biased to always run well within the transistor's linear range of operation, they should perform closer to an ideal (assuming a solid design like Pass). To some people, class A simply sounds better than class A/B. The problem with traditional class A though is that the amps run hot and draw/dissipate a lot of power even when idle. All that said, MAC amps are excellent as well and if you're trying to decide between the two only your ears can make that decision for you. Cheers
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Mains -> RSA_HZ-Crown-Jewel -> RSA_Dmitri -> Lessloss_DFPCs -> Olive_04HD+W4S_DAC2 / Oppo93 -> W4S_STP-SE -> Sanders_Magtech_Monos -> ML_CLXArt+Depthi(x2) -> Todd |
#13
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Thanks I understand it better now
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#14
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Personally I like keeping things as simple as possible, just started wondering if there might be some benefit to the sound by adding the pre-amp. Been happy enough without it so I guess I'll continue.
Last edited by larry80; 05-27-2013 at 12:17 PM. |
#15
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I plan to use the pre-amp outs on my Sony 6400ES receiver to drive a Parasound Halo A31 amp (for my front and center Martin Logan speakers) as soon as I get the OK to buy it from wife!
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#16
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Best Bob
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Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters. Preamp:VAC Statement (on order) (Silver Flake) Digital Source: dCS Rossini CD/SACD Transport, Vivaldi APEX DAC, Upsampler Plus & matching Clock (Silver) Analogue Preamp:VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage in Silver Flake with XLR Output Option & with Nordost Valhalla XLR's. Analogue Sources:SME 20/2 w/SME V arm & Nordost Odin 2 Tone Arm Cable, Palo Santos Presentation Cartridge & Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel w/relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. Akai RC-17 cabled remote (original owner since 1974). Vibration Control:TT on HRS M3X2-1921 shelf. Speakers:Wilson Audio Alexia V (on order in Ferrari Argento Silver/Parchment grills sitting on Acoustic Diode Kit). Power Cables:4 Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on amps, preamp & DAC. Ansuz Acoustics C2 on Transport & Clock. Power Distribution:Ansuz Mainz D3 Distributor & Ansuz Mainz C2 1M Power Cable Power Outlets:Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) duplex outlet, GTX Wall Plate & Duplex Cover (x2) on dedicated, same panel phase, 20A breakers. Speaker Cables:2M Nordost Odin 2 Supreme Reference on Nordost Sort Lifts. (on Order) Signal Cables:Nordost Odin XLR's on dCS DAC & Amps. Digital Cables: Nordost Odin 2's, 110-ohm AES/EBU on dCS Transport to DAC. Clock Cables:5 each 75 ohm 1.25M Nordost Valhalla BNC/BNC Digital Ethernet Cable: WireWorld Platinum 1M Starlight® 8 Twinax Headphones:Vintage Koss Pro IV AA. RCM: Audio Desk PRO Tube Test Gear:Mint late '60's/calibrated Heathkit TT-1A, MaxiMatcher Power Amp & Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets. |
#17
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I can't even track my own threads
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#18
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Now that garners an enormous laugh this morning.
Thanks Joe, Best my friend Bob
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Amps:VAC 450iQ Monos in Silver Flake on HRS M3X2-1921's, HRS G7 Footers/G-Links & Sound Anchor Conecoasters. Preamp:VAC Statement (on order) (Silver Flake) Digital Source: dCS Rossini CD/SACD Transport, Vivaldi APEX DAC, Upsampler Plus & matching Clock (Silver) Analogue Preamp:VAC Renaissance SE Phono stage in Silver Flake with XLR Output Option & with Nordost Valhalla XLR's. Analogue Sources:SME 20/2 w/SME V arm & Nordost Odin 2 Tone Arm Cable, Palo Santos Presentation Cartridge & Akai GX-400D Reel-to-Reel w/relapped heads by JRF Magnetic Sciences. Akai RC-17 cabled remote (original owner since 1974). Vibration Control:TT on HRS M3X2-1921 shelf. Speakers:Wilson Audio Alexia V (on order in Ferrari Argento Silver/Parchment grills sitting on Acoustic Diode Kit). Power Cables:4 Nordost Odin Supreme Reference on amps, preamp & DAC. Ansuz Acoustics C2 on Transport & Clock. Power Distribution:Ansuz Mainz D3 Distributor & Ansuz Mainz C2 1M Power Cable Power Outlets:Furutech GTX-D NCF (R) duplex outlet, GTX Wall Plate & Duplex Cover (x2) on dedicated, same panel phase, 20A breakers. Speaker Cables:2M Nordost Odin 2 Supreme Reference on Nordost Sort Lifts. (on Order) Signal Cables:Nordost Odin XLR's on dCS DAC & Amps. Digital Cables: Nordost Odin 2's, 110-ohm AES/EBU on dCS Transport to DAC. Clock Cables:5 each 75 ohm 1.25M Nordost Valhalla BNC/BNC Digital Ethernet Cable: WireWorld Platinum 1M Starlight® 8 Twinax Headphones:Vintage Koss Pro IV AA. RCM: Audio Desk PRO Tube Test Gear:Mint late '60's/calibrated Heathkit TT-1A, MaxiMatcher Power Amp & Preamp & Space Tech Labs ATT-3.02 tube test sets. |
#19
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