Amp operating mode for CT-M600

[BlueFox]

Currently, I am in the process of upgrading to my retirement system, after which I will have no dinero for stereo gear. So, I want to get it right this one last time.

Today, I have two Cambridge-Audio 840W amps in bridged mono mode. With my 4 ohm Aerial Acoustics 7T speakers they make 800W per channel. Even more important, they run in class A mode at lower levels, and switch to class B at higher levels. Most of my listening is done at low levels with string quartet type classical, and they sound fantastic.

At this point I am looking at the Classe CT-M600 amps, and the Bryston 7B-SST2. While the Classe has a bit more power, I am more interested in operating mode.

Does the Classe operate in class A at any point in its power curve?

[joeinid]

I think the Classe amps operate in Class A for the first 3 watts.

[BlueFox]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I think the Classe amps operate in Class A for the first 3 watts.

Does that power rate work the same as the overall power rate? For example, is it 3W at 8 ohm, and 6W at 4 ohms?

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by BlueFox

Does that power rate work the same as the overall power rate? For example, is it 3W at 8 ohm, and 6W at 4 ohms?

I think that's a yes. I am trying to find where I saw it so I can post it.

[joeinid]

The output stage uses 18 devices (bipolar) per side (push-pull) for a total of 36. The 2.35 kVA (2,300 watts) toroidal power supply transformer and 134,400 μF of power supply capacitance give the amplifier plenty of room for transient demands. The amplifier is biased about 3 watts into Class A. The amount of Vbias applied is designed to fit the point where conduction is close to 180° but not at the expense of increasing crossover distortion due to rapidly increasing transconductance (gm).


conclusions
The Classé CA-M600 monoblock is one of the finest power amplifiers I have ever had in our lab. It sounded wonderful, and the bench test results were spectacular. Now that’s what I call an upgraded design!

[BlueFox]

Thanks. I am ready to retire now.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by BlueFox

Thanks. I am ready to retire now.

Enjoy my friend.

EVERY single review I have read of these amps has been spectacular. Not a bad word. Mark aka MDP here has a pair any absolutely loves them.