Class 'A' vs 'AB' amplifiers: The search for a perfect soundstage and an emotional connection

I often find myself being drawn to Class 'A' type amplifiers, but why? Is that logical, or some kind of bias? I was of the opinion that they offered a better soundstage and a more natural listening experience. After this exercise, I am not so sure... In this video I also talk about 'Soundstage', what it is, and can it really be achieved? I also explain how humans detect sound sources and the importance of 'timbre' (a HiFi system's ability to differentiate between sound types). Equipment used in this video: Loudspeakers: Pearl Acoustics SG Amplifiers: PassLabs INT-25, Rega Aethos, Sugden SPA-4, Musical Fidelity M8s-500s Preamplifier: Topping Pre90 CD Player: Lyngdorf CD-2 Cables: Loudspeaker cables: Pearl Acoustics Natural Balance, Interconnects: AudioQuest Listening Room acoustic panels: GIK Topics covered: 00:00 - Introduction 07:14 - 'Soundstage', what is it and how good can it be? 10:13 - How do humans detect a sound source & hence imagine a soundstage. 15:11 - 'Timbre', distinguishing subtle differences in sounds 21:44 - Rega Aethos (Class AB) 22:45 - PassLabs INT-25 (Class A) 24:46 - Sugden SPA-4 (Class A) 25:41 - Musical Fidelity M8s-500s (Class AB) Content Links: More About Class A and AB amplifiers: https://www.electronics-lab.com/article/class-ab-amplifiers/ More about Soundstage: https://soundgearlab.com/learn/soundstage-imaging-explained/ How we perceive pitch: https://www.cochlea.eu/en/sound/psychoacoustics/pitch White paper on Huygens and pitch: https://fabilsen.home.xs4all.nl/RPnature.pdf Wonderful 3D immersive sound experience (headphones essential) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUDTlvagjJA Chasing The Dragon Records (Clare Teal recording) https://chasingthedragon.co.uk/ Our intro & outro music ‘Philia’ by Stefan Meylaers: https://open.spotify.com/track/0w9qjKyF5mrUYelBkePEP8?si=6510d39aa9564e13 If you would like to discover more about Pearl Acoustics, who we are, what we do and what we believe in, please visit our website at: https://pearlacoustics.com/ or email us with your questions: [email protected] Pearl Acoustics loudspeakers: https://pearlacoustics.com/loudspeakers/ Pearl Acoustics 170, vacuum tube, Class A amplifier: https://pearlacoustics.com/170-single-ended-vacuum-tube-power-amplifier/ Social media links: https://www.facebook.com/PearlAcoustics https://www.instagram.com/pearl.acoustics