25 watt class A amplifier vs. 220 watt class a/b amplifier

Discussion in 'Hi-Fi and General Audio' started by typewriter12, Jan 2, 2024.

  1. typewriter12

    typewriter12

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    Present equipment includes a Parasound HCA 2200 power amplifier, rated at 220 watts per channel.
    Speakers are Mirage M5-Si's. Specs from the 'net state their efficiency is 85 db and nominal impedance is 6 ohms.

    A friend has for sale an Eleson PCA 100 power amp (25 watts at 8 ohms, all class A), which apparently resembles a Classe DR-2 power amp.
    The Mirage's are enjoyable because the sound is always 'full'-sounding, with lots of 'body' with instruments or voices, never 'thin'-sounding. That 'fullness' is very important to me.
    I listen only to rock and chill-out music, no classical. Listening volume is always low to medium, never high volumes.
    Preamp is a Mcintosh MA 6200 - used as a preamp only.
    Can the Eleson, while probably a better amp, still provide me with that 'fullness' and 'body'?
    25watts class A vs. 220watts class a/b?
     
    typewriter12, Jan 2, 2024
    #1
  2. typewriter12

    tuga

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    If the owner's a friend are you not able to try before buying?
     
    tuga, Jan 8, 2024
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  3. typewriter12

    Arkless Electronics

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    There is no difference between Class A Watts and Class A/B Watts.

    In practice though most Class A amps are expensive and big and chunky even if only 25WPC, for obvious reasons, but most Class A/B amps that are only in the 20 to 50WPC range tend to be budget or at least lower priced models and everything is done down to a price....including the power supply. Hence the common belief that Class A Watts are "better and more powerful and effortless" than Class A/B Watts.

    As said above try the two amps if it's a friend you are thinking of buying it from and see which you prefer.
     
    Arkless Electronics, Jan 20, 2024
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    tuga likes this.
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