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Should an amp have a "personality"?

I currently have a SimAudio W-7 amp.  If there is a word to describe its sound, it would be NEUTRALITY precisely capitalized.  I mean it is neutral to a fault.  It's NOT warm, or bright, or analytical, or sweet, or anything that might be misconstrued as a personality.  It's just "IS".  It has nothing that would offend me but nothing that is endearing either.  I suppose some people may like this type of sound.  I also have another SimAudio Moon W-3 amp, and although it is neutral, but it has a distinct personality of being slightly forward, slightly upfront and ultimately more interesting to listen to.  

At this point, I am a bit disappointed what the W7 is not "FOR".  I want its sound to be FOR something be it slightly warm, or forward, or a touch bright or something that is a bit interesting even if it is a flaw.  It's like a politician who wouldn't say he's for something at the risk of offending his potential voters.  

PASS Labs amps are known to be a bit warm in the bass along with all their class A type of sound just as tube amps but they somehow make music sings.  
andy2

Showing 8 responses by inna

inna
7,132 posts
 
I never use this word when it comes to sound. Anyway, the sound should be natural enough and engaging. Some of those German audiophiles and a few others in their quest for the 'neutral' sound get  the sound that is sterile and lacks many colors and nuances of the original. Colors not colorations.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Incorrect part was assuming that it might not have one. That is impossible, at least from my point of view.
inna
7,132 posts
 
It is also possible that you might prefer tube amp. I do too, I don't have one because I would want a great one and that is big expenses.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Something is lacking in your amp or amp/speakers unit or the entire chain. The sound you get is not 'neutral', it is boring. Sound that is true to the recording will not be boring, it will be engaging in a right way. This is not to say that engaging sound cannot be far from the original. Preferences vary, that's why we choose different speakers.
To answer your question directly, even though you posed it incorrectly. Yes, amp should have a personality, and in fact it always does. Compare Gryphon to Soulution to DartZeel to FM Acoustic to Nagra. Top level transistor amps, they all will have distinct personalities in any set-up.
Sorry, man, you might have to sell both of your Sim Audio amps and go higher.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Anyway, you'll figure it out. I was saying it as if I were one of those Germans because they believe in this utopia.
inna
7,132 posts
 
roxy54, "subtractive coloration" is a great term. I think, this kind of coloration is virtually missed in all discussions, amplifiers or not. And within reason subtractive colorations are worse for me than added colorations.
inna
7,132 posts
 
I would think that Thiel and Pass would be a match made in hell, by the way, they have nothing in common.
But this is more a theoretical discussion.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Speaking of personalities.. Come one, people, let it go whatever it is.
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