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Dynamics and Microdynamics

Perhaps this isn't an amplifier, but a speaker issue instead (or both). Here is my observation:

I recently listened to the same piece of music (Chopin, Etudes, Pollini, Deutsche Grammophon 431221) on two different systems (in the same room). System A: VTL MB-450 monoblocks in tetrode mode, driving B&W Nautilus 802. System B: Classe Delta CA M-400 monoblocks driving Wilson Watt/Puppy 7. Source, pre-amp, and cabling was the same.

Now here's what was strange: While the Classe/Wilson system was clearly better at microdynamics (ferreting out the hidden gems of melodical lines within the overall structure of the pieces), the VTL/B&W system did a better job at conveying the dynamical punches (from ebbing to swelling, up and down the tonal scale), i.e., the guts of the musical structure. From memory, when I listened to these pieces live, both mico-and macrodynamics were clearly audible, not just one or the other.

Also, system A sounded a little thinner, system B a little warmer. So my question: Any explanation for this? While I understand that the refinement you get with an accurate representation of microdynamics is system-dependent (and the Watt/Puppys are more expensive speakers than the Nautilus 802), both systems should have been able to get the macrodynamics right, or not? Or does this have anything to do with tube (VTL) vs solid-state (Classe) technologies?

Thanks for any insights.
hgabert
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
It has more to do with the power delivery to the active devices, whether they be tubes or transistors. A component can seem very detailed but not dynamic if the HF power delivery is good, but the LF power delivery is insufficient. Likewise, the component can seem very dynamic, but not render the detail if the LF power delivery is good, but not the HF. Detail is also a result of proper handling of return and power currents in the amp. If the currents are shared and generally uncontrolled, then the detail can be lost. See this article that I wrote in positive-feedback:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue15/modsnugent.htm

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Have you tried the Classe/B&W setup together?
hgabert OP
41 posts
 
I will try that setup, and the other one (VTL/Wilson), too. Do you expect the Class/B&W setup do come closer to the real thing, i.e., conveying both micro- and macrodynamics well? And if so, why?

I guess there is a lot of random luck involved, mixing and matching components.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
I suggest that due to both those being under the B&W umbrella.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Yes it does have to do with the Tubes.. the wilson's sound aweful with Classe in my experiences... they make the wilson's thin sounding.. Mark Levinson equipment has the same effect in my experiences.. the VTL 450's with the Watt Puppy 7's will give you more of what you are looking for.

Or if you can swing it a pair of Lamm M1.1 you will be amazed. I own WP7's and Lamm amps and I have heard the VTL450 combo which was very nice but I still felt that the Lamm's did it even better (I owned M2.1's also)
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