What is a Class A audio amplifier?

 

In a class A amplifier, the active device (transistor) is biased so it always conducts some current, usually outputting about half the supply voltage under quiescent (no signal) conditions.

The input signal causes the transistor to conduct more or less current, thus raising or lowering the output voltage, but it never cuts off. For this reason, the class A amp is free from so-called crossover distortion that occurs in a class B push-pull amp when one device cuts off and the other starts to conduct.

The constant DC offset voltage with no signal is blocked by a capacitor or transformer so only the amplified AC signal appears at the output.

The advantage of a class A amp is its low distortion and transparent sound. The big disadvantage is the high quiescent bias current, even with no signal. Class A power amps require large heat sinks and/or forced-air cooling, and waste a lot of power, i.e. they are not very efficient.

Many audio enthusiasts feel the cleaner sound outweighs the drawbacks, and they pay big bucks for high-end class A amps and preamps.