The Class A/B and D Conclusion UPDATE Luxman Arrival

[Rockchild]

Hi RC - glad you're making some progress towards your end game set up(s)

Did you do a Sugden A21a v Exposure 3510 posting, or did I miss that ?

No you didn’t but if you could have the finesse and texture of the Sugden and the Power of the Exposure, you would have the perfect amplifier but at a price.

 

[Rockchild]

Lovely write up jon , interesting battle of amps thats been intriguing reading to a lot of wammers ,.... harbeths love class a/b to extract their emotion and beguiling traits that you and myself desire and love ......pity you are not closer as you could have borrowed my class a/b amp to compare your audio memories ..............that norma for sale in the classifieds would be a contender i think ,.......take care,

One day Keith, one day

 

[Boycie]

Been interesting to follow this and I wish you well in concluding with journey. Like a lot of this great but sometimes annoying hobby it comes down to synergy of components and a sound that you are ultimately comfortable with. A lot of people love Naim, personally I can't get on with it. I went from Arcam to Primare when I wanted a change and at the time, nothing else in budget came close, for me. I've had my amp for 10 plus years and it still sounds as good now as at the start. I recently changed speakers and fortunately they and the amp are a good match, so I'm happy. I had wondered whether it was worth replacing my i32 with an i35 but on reflection, I don't think any minor improvement will justify the expense.

Thanks again for an interesting write up.

Boycie

 

[Rockchild]

Been interesting to follow this and I wish you well in concluding with journey. Like a lot of this great but sometimes annoying hobby it comes down to synergy of components and a sound that you are ultimately comfortable with. A lot of people love Naim, personally I can't get on with it. I went from Arcam to Primare when I wanted a change and at the time, nothing else in budget came close, for me. I've had my amp for 10 plus years and it still sounds as good now as at the start. I recently changed speakers and fortunately they and the amp are a good match, so I'm happy. I had wondered whether it was worth replacing my i32 with an i35 but on reflection, I don't think any minor improvement will justify the expense.

Thanks again for an interesting write up.

Boycie

No problem like I say, it’s not a bad amp but just synergy and room maybe. So many times I’ve seen people buy something and end up paying loads more by changing other kit to make it work better and still not being satisfied. Fortunately the dealer I use agrees with my findings but was keen for me to find out myself and is all to happy to ensure I’m happy.
He said that his own system is Harbeth and Linn class D and he has said it’s an excellent combination but he knows my view on Linn and knows my room

Audio is a funny old game

 

[hiesteem]

No you didn’t but if you could have the finesse and texture of the Sugden and the Power of the Exposure, you would have the perfect amplifier but at a price.

Sounds like Restek mono blocks and their pre amp Jon. That is not a Bad description if I were asked to describe their sound though!
However I would do the same as you Jon . I think the Exposure pre and monos is a bargain and will fit well in your system.
I also feel it can be to much of a good thing which is why I have not bothered to upgrade to them from my Restek integrated.
Having said that I wonder what a Sudden pre power would sound like

 

[toprepairman]

Another factor in the equation is longevity.
The Exposure is likely to outlive any class D by a factor of at least 2 to1.
Also by then the Exposure will be reasonably easy to fix but the Primare will be landfill.

 

[hiesteem]

Another factor in the equation is longevity.
The Exposure is likely to outlive any class D by a factor of at least 2 to1.
Also by then the Exposure will be reasonably easy to fix but the Primare will be landfill.

the bit about landfill was funny. My analogue amp is in its 25th year. Had it repaired 3 years ago. Good quality analogue amps if looked after and assuming we like it enough can be a very economic product in the long run.
Very good point you make indeed.

 

[Boris the Animal]

The Primare is analogue.

 

[DomT]

No you didn’t but if you could have the finesse and texture of the Sugden and the Power of the Exposure, you would have the perfect amplifier but at a price.

And this is what I found comparing Audio Research Accuphase Marantz Hegel and Norma they are all great but different if only the best bits of all were in one amp!

 

[DomT]

Another factor in the equation is longevity.
The Exposure is likely to outlive any class D by a factor of at least 2 to1.
Also by then the Exposure will be reasonably easy to fix but the Primare will be landfill.

Why?

 

[toprepairman]

Because class D is basically a switched mode power supply, with the added complication of a variable output that has to cope with producing wide band audio. All switched mode power supplies go bang eventually (yes of course there's the odd exception, which proves the rule), and they're rarely economically fixable. Most recent here being a Rotel RB1510 which would cost more to fix than buy a new one.
On the other hand just fixed an ancient Leak Stereo 30 (from the 60's) without too much effort and working very nicely thankyou. Oh and it was the early germanium one.

 

[Rockchild]

Because class D is basically a switched mode power supply, with the added complication of a variable output that has to cope with producing wide band audio. All switched mode power supplies go bang eventually (yes of course there's the odd exception, which proves the rule), and they're rarely economically fixable. Most recent here being a Rotel RB1510 which would cost more to fix than buy a new one.
On the other hand just fixed an ancient Leak Stereo 30 (from the 60's) without too much effort and working very nicely thankyou. Oh and it was the early germanium one.

Whilst I generally agree with most of what you said as a repairman, the Primare (like any amp) is recyclable like any metal internal parts like any other amplifier are discarded.
The issue of can it be repaired is valid but as most electronics, complete boards are now replaced and consumer law states that parts must be available for at least 10 years.
It’s the way of the world now unfortunately.

 

[Rockchild]

I’ve done another comparison today and I’m sticking to my conclusions. If I listened to Yello all the time, the Primare would stay
My variation is music dictates an all rounder which is why I don’t read reviews first.

 

[Rockchild]

The R35 phonostage is however, staying. It’s a remarkable phonostage.

 

[Bazzer]

I’ve done another comparison today and I’m sticking to my conclusions. If I listened to Yello all the time, the Primare would stay

@MVJ better get a new amp Steve

 

[Rockchild]

@MVJ better get a new amp Steve

I do love my old vinyl and CD recordings Barry. The Sugden and Exposure are able to pull out the emotional side of the recordings that bit better and it suits me.

 

[Gizza]

Never having listened to class D amps for any great length of time, I'd like to ask, do they do dynamics as well as good solid state or valve amps?

 

[Rockchild]

Never having listened to class D amps for any great length of time, I'd like to ask, do they do dynamics as well as good solid state or valve amps?

They do dynamics better than any imo.

It’s always a case of try before you buy. I think as I’ve said already, the Primare on different or slightly laid back speakers maybe a good match. I’m thinking the Reference Q Acoustics would thrive on this Amp.

 

[leroyd]

Whilst I generally agree with most of what you said as a repairman, the Primare (like any amp) is recyclable like any metal internal parts like any other amplifier are discarded.
The issue of can it be repaired is valid but as most electronics, complete boards are now replaced and consumer law states that parts must be available for at least 10 years.
It’s the way of the world now unfortunately.

I have been using various Primare amps/cd players exclusively for over 20 years and they never gave a hint of trouble. Rock solid kit IME.

 

[Rockchild]

I have been using various Primare amps/cd players exclusively for over 20 years and they never gave a hint of trouble. Rock solid kit IME.

Reliability has never been a question from me, it was others