I think of a power amp as the producing element in my system. Preferably it will be the strong, silent type which can execute the most demanding of tasks without complaint or hesitation. Extending the analogy, the front end source component is the talent and the preamp is the director. The rack, cables, cords, spikes and room treatments are the props. The speakers are the stage.
My decision tree when auditioning a power amp flows from one must-have aspect to another. It begins with philosophical considerations:
1. Solid-state. For me, this is a cost, stability and reliability issue. If the best tubes were perfectly matched and cost the same as sparkplugs I'd reconsider.
2. Reputation. I take comfort believing there is a designer behind the product with experience and talent. An amp's popularity is a plus.
3. Pleasant appearance. The amp must look purposeful. Flimsy looking or unfinished parts convey weakness in execution.
Physical considerations:
4. Rows of external heat sinks. These are reputed to be expensive. Mounting them on the outside of the chassis seems to be the preferred method.
5. Sheer weight. Real-life power supplies are heavy. If it specs at 200 watts a channel but weighs only 25 pounds somebody's kidding somebody.
6. Number of output devices. More is better. While I admire an amp that can squeeze alot of performance from a minimum of parts, in the long run my money's on the unit that has so many muscles it never breaks a sweat.
7. Connectors. With the amp in place they must be reachable and not too difficult to tighten. With its own allure, gold plating is the icing on the cake.
Sound:
This subjective element is the hardest to pinpoint. When an amp is doing its job for me, it will sound smooth, effortless, unforced yet unrestrained, balanced, limitless, fast, quiet and balanced. All combined it will sound magical.
Enjoy your search.
My decision tree when auditioning a power amp flows from one must-have aspect to another. It begins with philosophical considerations:
1. Solid-state. For me, this is a cost, stability and reliability issue. If the best tubes were perfectly matched and cost the same as sparkplugs I'd reconsider.
2. Reputation. I take comfort believing there is a designer behind the product with experience and talent. An amp's popularity is a plus.
3. Pleasant appearance. The amp must look purposeful. Flimsy looking or unfinished parts convey weakness in execution.
Physical considerations:
4. Rows of external heat sinks. These are reputed to be expensive. Mounting them on the outside of the chassis seems to be the preferred method.
5. Sheer weight. Real-life power supplies are heavy. If it specs at 200 watts a channel but weighs only 25 pounds somebody's kidding somebody.
6. Number of output devices. More is better. While I admire an amp that can squeeze alot of performance from a minimum of parts, in the long run my money's on the unit that has so many muscles it never breaks a sweat.
7. Connectors. With the amp in place they must be reachable and not too difficult to tighten. With its own allure, gold plating is the icing on the cake.
Sound:
This subjective element is the hardest to pinpoint. When an amp is doing its job for me, it will sound smooth, effortless, unforced yet unrestrained, balanced, limitless, fast, quiet and balanced. All combined it will sound magical.
Enjoy your search.