As I understand, Naim uses class B in its amplifiers.
Why is this, when class B gives more crossover distorsion than class AB?
Most amplifiers normally use classAB.
I could be wrong of course…
thought they were all class a/b?
They are class AB.
2 Likes
Self awareness, the necessary first step…….
.sjb
3 Likes
Agree. I just wish I, wasn’t so self aware. I think I’d be a lot more confident. 
1 Like
Ok, I read in some review they are class B.
And, at least my SN3 barely gets lukewarm in idle. All my other AB amps get noticeably warmer.
Naim amplifiers have been class AB for 50 years 
FYI the class AB bias current is small, just enough to stop crossover distortion and not too much to cause the lesser known ‘gm-doubling’ distortion.
For each new amplifier we measure an acceptable range on the bench. Then try each setting until it sounds best.
Cheers
Steve
14 Likes
Here’s a quickie (a very quickie!) on the different amplifier topologies. Bear in mind that a high quality, well designed class B amp cam sound better than a poor quality, poorly designed class A amp.
What are the differences between Class A, AB, and Class D amplifiers.
1 Like
Ok, thanks Steve.
Good to know.
I have a friend running a pair of 105db Klipschorn’s with a NAP500. Because he’s only using 1/4 watt to fill the room its class-A all the time. I’m told the sound is remarkable.
3 Likes
What is the hiss like with such high sensitivity speakers (making it 15-20dB louder than the majority of hifi speakers)?
Good question. I don’t know.
Damn. And here I sit with my 87db speakers and a 300DR.
1 Like
True class A all the way is lovely, it’s certainly not the most efficient way to do it, and not sure how naim does it, but it certainly sounds better i agree.
True class A amp is running at max out put all the time, that’s why they get hot, and need a very big reserve off power due to running at max all the time for the big dynamic pieces in the music, as if not they suffer with being dynamic
I feel an FAQ topic on the way…
2 Likes
I’d certainly agree that Class A amps can sound “lovely”, but not so sure they always sound better than other classes. For many years I ran my system with a pair of Musical Fidelity Class A monoblocks. The sound was silky smooth with absolutely nothing to scare the horses. Audio nirvana for many, I guess, and for me initially. But gradually I found the system too easy going and listened less and less. The Class AB amps in the power packs of the active ATCs I now use are not as silky smooth as those old class A boxes, but I now get much greater connection with the music and listening pleasure.
As with so much hifi, there’s a temptation to believe that one technology is intrinsically and always better than some other, whereas, in reality, the way it is implemented and a host of other things make comparisons more complicated than that. My MFs would surely have had a very different sound from monster class A Krell amps!
Roger
1 Like
Which model was that?
I guess i am very lucky then as i can push a button on the remote and go into class B.
I can also switch over to a rock mode, this has the tendency to alter the sound stage slightly and moves it forward more, i don’t use this as i much prefer the classic mode ( normal ) plus i leave it in true class A ( 30 w per channel max ) as this also sound’s better.