Differences between Class-A, Class-B, and Class-A/B amplifiers
Amplifiers can be designed in different ways and are therefore categorised by so-called “classes”.
Below you find a comparison table to outline the major differences between the three most common analog amplifier classes. You may rest assured that all our tube amplifiers are solely using Class-A and Class-A/B designs to provide you with the best audio experience possible.
|
Class-A |
Class-B |
Class-A/B |
|
|
Sound Quality |
Best |
Worse |
Very good |
|
Power consumption |
Worse (~20% efficiency) |
Best |
Medium (~50% efficiency) |
|
Linearity (linear amplification across the whole frequency spectrum) |
Best |
Worse |
Very good |
|
Distortion |
Lowest |
High |
Low |
|
Remarks |
Best sound quality but usually less power (Watt) due to high power consumption and heat emission. Belongs to the “top 10% in the high-end audio market” |
Not recommended for usage in audio applications |
Very good sound quality paired with acceptable efficiency (means more power to drive your loudspeakers). Dominates the audio market |