What makes an amp sound more direct ?


In our hifi journey we have probably all heard amps with different topologies and implementation. Most of these amps would have an implementation which is a combination of one of these:

1. Single Ended
2. Push-pull
3. Balanced
4. Differentially Balanced
5. Class A, A/B, D
6. High/Low Damping factor
7. Zero Negative Feedback (global & local)
8. Low/Medium/High Negative feedback
9. 2/3/4/multiple gain stages

There will be more such items that can be added to the list. My curiosity arises from the fact that some amplifiers (or even preamplifiers) sound much more direct than others. The ones that does this trick generally seems to do the "they are here" trick very well. While the components which sound relatively indirect cast a sound scape which gives the perspective of "we are there".

Just from my observation, single ended and zero feedback designs sound much more direct than balanced designs especially ones with high negative feedback. Is this a coincidence or is there a valid reason behind this ? 
pani

Showing 2 responses by dave_b

I think the goal should be to have the illusion of the performance being in the "room" with the listener.  Realistically, this is best achieved with dynamic, high current capable speakers hooked to fully balanced push-pull high current/high powered amp(s).  Class A or A/B sound best to my ear.  All aspects of a system contribute to the overall gestalt of course, but flea watt amps will not pressurize a room and deliver the dynamic control necessary to give you the excitement of being in the presence of live musicians.  Wilson, Krell, Dynaudio etc...can deliver full scale music without constraint (upper end models).  None of this matters if you do not have the right cables, power cords, preamp and source(s).  This does not mean that there aren't any other number of ways to get beautiful, lively and engaging music in the home...there are a myriad of ways for sure, but "live" sounding, unconstrained dynamic and accurate reproduction of the source requires a wide bandwidth power amp with lot's of headroom.  I left out horn systems and super high efficiency designs because I have not heard any that could do what I required of them to put me in the presence of the performers, especially at realistic volume levels while maintaining accurate tone and soundstaging.  Of course...IMHO!
Lotta ways to skin a cat in audio...as long as it does it for you!  The only way to compare system outcomes is to experience them firsthand.  Each of our individual biases and expectations can put us at opposite ends of the audio spectrum.  I remember listening to an audio associates system($100k Avalon/OTL/Walker etc).  He liked playing it at a very low volume level and the system used cabling that produced a hum that was clearly audible through the music.  Very quirky and frustrating to me....but he liked it!  I want to be immersed in the space of the event with all the dynamics and atmosphere intact.  Most "serious" audiophiles may be a little to anal for me...I like to turn it to 11 for both jazz and classical!!  Play on