Small power (<10W) audiophile class A ?

[bh69]

Hello,

I'm looking for a high-quality, low distorsion, low noise, proven, hassle-free, solid state (FET ?) class A amplifier for quiet listening.

I never listen loud and my setup is near-field so I need only little power, I think even 1W would be enough. It should be used with Audiolab M-DAC as DAC and digital preamp. It can be both stereo or mono blocks.

Thanks in advance

 

[Extreme_Boky]

I am not sure if you've seen the Pass section..? Just pick one from there... I chose Aleph J, based on few things that are very important to me but there are other amps to choose from. Even ACP+ (AMP CAMP PRE-AMP + HEADPHONE AMP) on its own (driving speakers directly) may work well for you.

 

[MarcelvdG]

Besides, there's at least one thread about the John Linsley Hood 10 W class-A amplifier and variants of it: JLH 10 Watt class A amplifier

 

[OldDIY]

БезОООСный УНЧ с TND каскадом

 

[joensd]

There are many many class-A designs with <10W around,
starting at 1W.
Look around in the forums.

I like this one for which I made a layout but haven´t listened so far:
Class A, 4 Watt, No Feedback, Simple Circuit, Great Sound

Another alternative which many people like is the already mentioned ACA from Nelson Pass.

 

[bh69]

Thank you

 

[OldDIY]

An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.

Семынин Игорь. Звуковая схемотехника.

 

[bh69]

Pass ACA Class A Power Amplifier Review | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

I'm suprised how terrible A-class amp could be !? I think I was rather naive to think that A-class is simple way to get super clean sound at cost of more energy consumption.

 

[joensd]

Despite having high distortion I wouldn´t call it nowhere near terrible.
The distortion <2W is mainly of the 2nd harmonic type, something a lot of people are after.
ASR focuses only on measurements in their narrow-minded view.

If you are sceptical the amp will work with your speakers, build something else.
The amp from post #5 uses cheap parts and should measure very well.
As do chipamps and class-d amplifier ;-)

Sound always depends on your whole setup and on your speakers mainly too.

 

[Bigun]

Just add a Follower to your source.

SEWA - Seven Watt Amplifier

Hi Mad!

I report you about my listening test.
(...)
-SEWA V1: O.K. here comes the winner! Nice, soft, warm etc. sound, but the most important what makes this amp unambiguous better than the others are the very strong and realy(!) detailed, controled bass, mega-brutal dynamic, incredible fine micro details and excellent 3D sound stage. The music simply alive in the listening room!!!
I have never listened or felt such a good presence feeling!

Tyimo

 

[spiggs]

...I'm suprised how terrible A-class amp could be !? I think I was rather naive to think that A-class is simple way to get super clean sound at cost of more energy consumption.

I have built the ACA and have had a chance to compare it to very good measuring amps in my simple home system. If you do the same you may be surprised to find that your results do not align with the conclusions reached in the ASR review. I know in my case the ACA provided good sound at any volume level I cared to listen to including neighbor annoying levels.

It was a good lesson in measurements vs listening enjoyment for me. I am currently listening to a class A tube amp in the same system which is probably the worst measuring of all the amps I have but it has ended up being my favorite. Of course you may come to a different conclusion but that is the fun of the hobby. So my advice is don't be dissuaded by the ASR review. There are many happy owners of low power class A amps that I think it is worth your time to give it a go and come to your own conclusions.

 

[bh69]

Just add a Follower to your source.

SEWA - Seven Watt Amplifier

Thank you, but I'm afraid it can be used with M-DAC ?

"It requires a preamp that can swing +/-10-12V and has low output impedance."