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Pass Labs A/B amps vs Class A amp and Actual Power

Dumb question; how can you compare the actual power or ability of an amp to drive a tough load (such as a Magnepan) when looking at a Pass Labs A/B design such as the X250.5 or X350.5 vs one of the full class A amps like the XA60.5 and XA100.5? For example, which amps would (from a standpoint of just pure power/grunt) drive 3.6's better, an X350.5 or a XA60.5?
stickman451

Showing 1 response by elizabeth

elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The Magnepan is an "easy" 4 ohm load to drive. It is just inefficient, thus bringing a LOT of power to the table is better.
My little Forte' 4a plays the 3.6 maggies well. The key is what an amp does into 4 ohms. Nearly all amps and the literature discusses 8 ohm loads. The Maggies are straight 4 ohm loads. So the amp is driving a 4 ohm load. and has to put out twice the power as an eight ohm load for the same effect.
The amp needs AMPERAGE more than watts. IMO the take that maggies don't work well with small amps is because they are talking about amps that do not double into halved loads.
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