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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 2 responses by kahlenz

kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
260 posts
 
There is a difference. Most systems benefit from having an amplifier that has characteristics that optimize the sound of the speakers (in your room, playing the music you listen to, at volumes you are comfortable with).

Your listening habits, room and speakers will make much more difference, provided you are using a well specified amp that can produce the appropriate amount of power. The quality of your program material will also make a huge difference.
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
260 posts
 
vtvmtodvm:  In other words, perhaps, all amps that have the same characteristics and work within a prescribed set of specifications sound the same.

However, different amps with different characteristics and different specifications will sound different.  For example, my Dynaco Stereo 70 sounds remarkably different than my Cambridge Audio 640 (testing the ST70 with the pre-out from the 640).  My Odyssey Khartago sounds quite different from the 640 driving Harbeths, but they sound about the same driving my Altec Lansing horns.  My HK AV receiver sounds the same as the 640 and the Khartego driving PSB Alphas, but the Harbeths lose dynamics when driven by the HK, and need the extra power from the Khartego (haven't tested the HK with the horns, but I suspect they will sound the same driven by any of my SS amps).  The horns, which I find a bit shrill when driven with SS amps, sound wonderful when driven by tube amps.

Listening is the best way to determine whether you like a particular system.  There is a learning curve, and different systems sound different with different program material.  What you may like (or think you like) is also very subjective.  You are allowed to change your mind.

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