2. amps-preamps
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Is there actually a difference?

Speakers sound different - that is very obvious. But I’ve never experienced a drastic change between amps. Disclaimer that I’ve never personally ABX tested any extremely high end gear.

With all these articles claiming every other budget amp is a "giant killer", I’ve been wondering if there has ever been blind tests done with amplifiers to see if human ears can consistently tell the difference. You can swear to yourself that they do sound different, but the mind is a powerful thing, and you can never be sure unless it’s a truly blind test.

One step further - even IF we actually can tell the difference and we can distinguish a certain amp 7/10 times under extreme scrutiny, is it really worth the thousands you are shelling out to get that nearly-imperceivable .01% increase in performance?

Not looking to stir up any heated debate. I’ve been in audio for several years now and have always thought about this.
asianatorizzle

Showing 4 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,687 posts
 
Hi VT! 

I don't think you should listen with your eyes. My point was for you to listen to each of them and see if you hear a difference. I think reading the tech and then convincing yourself you hear a difference is the wrong way to go. :) 

However, Ayre famously uses a "diamond" output stage, which is something you should be able to research. I won't say more to avoid further bias (pun intended!) 
erik_squires
15,687 posts
 
There are, in my mind, kind of 3 amps you should listen to and see if you think they sound the same:

Parasound
Pass
Ayre

These amps to me are rather opposed to each other in terms of sound. 

If you cannot tell the difference between them, buy the cheapest one. :) 

Best,

E
erik_squires
15,687 posts
 
Read Pass' own writing on the subject of amps and distortion. He makes it pretty clear. 

BTW, I'm not saying this is a negative thing. You should buy what pleases your ear and if Pass pleases your ear, buy it. 

Best,

E
erik_squires
15,687 posts
 
Depends on the speaker. :) 

Reasonably good amplifiers driving a very neutral load should sound the same, except for distortion, which amps like Pass deliberately add. I listened to some very good solid state, linear amps and Class D and could not tell them apart with my speakers, so I sold the linear amps. :)

Some speakers are said to be "discerning" of amplifiers, which really means they are hard to drive and more likely to show up audible differences between amps with different output impedances. 

For extreme examples of this, see the frequency response charts for tube amps on Stereophile. Yes, we're talking SS but that will illustrate output impedance issues well.

Best,

Erik
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