How to make a SS amp sound like a Class A?

Some solid state amps are class A, or have I missed the point?

Yes, I was trying to be a little subtle. Clearly it didn't work on this occasion.

Do they sound different? Class A, from other types that is?

The Pulse is a class A/B amp, but the point at which it goes to class B is virtually at 'switch on' (or about 0.5 watts).

Some A/B amps 'switch over' to class B at a much higher output (ATC amps remain in class A operation until about 2/3rds of their maximum output for instance).

So, practically speaking, the Pulse is never going to operate in class A even at very low outputs.

I don't think you can make any amp sound like class A if  it is not class A

The main difference in the class A sound comes from the complete elimination of crossover distortion which is a type of distortion that can make an amplifier sound grainy and harsh .

Class A operation completely eliminates this type of distortion but at the cost  of low efficiency and considerable heat output combined with large size and weight .

Just because an amplifier is a class A design it does not automatically mean it will sound better than any other type of amp ie AB / B OR D , in my opinion the quality of design and the parts used are equally important to good sound quality but CNO may not agree with my last statement     .

Crossover distortion? So whatever this is, Class A amps eliminate it?

Edit: I see, yes. Not the speaker type crossover then.

So my Pulse, let's say, with Harbeth speakers wouldn't sound anything other than analytical? With certain music it does sound quite organic or earthy, but other music, generally remastered stuff, it can sound a bit mechanical. 

No nothing to do with the speaker crossover .

Here is a good explanation .

http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/amplifier/amp_7.html

I can get my head around 'analytical' (just), but you've totally lost me with 'organic', 'earthy' and 'mechanical'.

As for Harbeths, the designer has always said (over and over again) to use any amplifier that is working properly and is operated within it's designed limits.

I'm pretty sure your Leema will be fine.

One thing I will say is that if you listen to a well designed class A or high bias class AB amplifier then the absence of crossover distortion is very obvious IMHO

What I mean by "earthy" or "organic", think of vegetables. Organic veg should be grown naturally and therefore taste natural. There you have it "totally natural" sounding amp. Play disco types songs, acoustic stuff and it sounds great. However, its achilles heel is female vocals like Adele, Joss Stone or Simon & Garfunkel (remastered), Beatles (remastered) and it sounds a little cold.

Perhaps that's the compromise... don't really know, hence the question.  

Why don't you a demo a class A amp with your speakers? Then you will see whether it improves the music you describe. Personally I would have thought you'll have more room for improvement, and certainly more scope for a different sound, by changing your speakers. Which I thought was what you were looking at doing anyway?

Without trying to be rude, and apologies if you think it is, why did you buy it if it sounds "cold"?  Didn't you audition it?

Chris

Or go for something like this:

(Technically a fruit, I know, but you get the idea.)

Not rude at all - as I mentioned before all equipment below silly money is going to be compromised, and the speakers I heard improve a wonderful amp. Therefore just gauging opinion on how far one thinks an amp of the Leema quality can be taken (or how close to Class A or valve amp). The other reason for mentioning Harbeth or even Sonus Fabers...