Vintage Amplifier Information

A hi-fi amplifier has the simple yet vital job of increasing the power of an incoming signal. An amplifier can be found as a stand alone piece of equipment or may be conjoined within another device such as a tuner or EQ. There are many different types and classes of amplifiers, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Amplifier Classes

Amplifiers can be distinguished by their class types, Class A, Class AB, Class D and Class G. There are many more types of amplifiers not listed here, but these are the types that are most common in the Hi-Fi world so I will omit all the non relevant types.

Class A:

Class A amplifiers are commonly regarded as among the best types of amplifier. This is because they use 100% of the input signal which creates better sound due to low distortion levels. While they are regarded as the best in sound performance, Class A amps are limited by the power output and produce lots of heat. They also tend to be heavier and more expensive than other designs. Class A amps can be transistor or tube(valve) powered.

Class AB:

Traditionally a more cost effective option than the class Class A design is Class AB Which is a hybrid of sorts and are amount the most commonly used amplification design implementation. It consists of a compromise between the inefficiencies of the Class A and the distortion heavy Class B. It works by allowing the first few watts of input to be taken care of a smaller Class A, and then switching to Class B for extra amplification needs.

Class D:

Different than both A and B, this class is becoming increasingly popular due to its small form factor and low heat output.

Class G:

Class G offered a slight upgrade to standard Class AB by constantly switching between power supplies in order to reduce power consumption and power loss caused by heat.

Types of Amplifier: Amplifiers can be further broken down into integrated and pre-power models.

Integrated Amplifier:

This term refers to an all in one solution that combines both pre and power stages in one  unit. All you need to do is plug in a audio source and some speakers in order to enjoy. The benefits of an integrated amplifier include its space saving benefits and their relative budget value as they contain several components in one.

Pre and Power Amplifiers:

By splitting the pre and power stages and giving them an individual power supply the risk of sound impediment is eliminated and sonic improvements can be easily heard. You can also run multiple power amplifiers into one speaker which gives the capability to drive larger  loudspeakers.

Tube (Valve) Vs. Transistor:

Another point of contention when deciding the type of amplifier that works best for you is the choice between valve or transistor amplifiers. All amplifiers were at one time tube (valve) amplifiers prior to the invention of the transistor in the late 1940’s. The transistor was smaller and cheaper, and needed less maintenance and knowledge to operate. Due to this, most consumer amplifiers transitioned to transistor based designs. Tube amps have stubbornly held on due to people’s preference as they posses a warm analogue sound that seems more pleasing to the ear. Additionally, both transistor and tube amplifiers are very collectible. People all over the world are looking for these amazing relics to restore and use.

It is important to note that some components may be affected by age and may need maintenance. This can include fader lubrication, contact cleaning, replacing fuses, and capacitors. These things should not dissuade you from vintage gear as the reward is often well worth the trouble. Always consult your model’s service manual when considering maintenance. For vintage models these can be obtained from a dealer, or an on-line Hi-Fi resource.

It is tough to find the exact mix of sound for your listening ears, but when you do, it can be an enlightening and amazing experience. We hope this article was useful to you. Don’t hesitate to ask us questions if necessary.