Pre-amp / Amp Forum

[Ch1mera1989]

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.

[tsv_1]

Originally Posted by Ch1mera1989

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.

Not exactly sure what you're asking here.

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

[Ch1mera1989]

Thanks I understand it better now

[larry80]

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.

[Toccata]

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!

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I think one forum for amp/preamp is fine. They kind of go hand in hand.

Great news because I can only track one of your threads at a time.

Best

Bob

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Great news because I can only track one of your threads at a time.

Best

Bob

I can't even track my own threads

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I can't even track my own threads

Now that garners an enormous laugh this morning.

Thanks Joe,

Best my friend

Bob

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by vintage_tube

Now that garners an enormous laugh this morning.

Thanks Joe,

Best my friend

Bob