Zero Negative Feedback Amps with High Power


I am interested in getting "feedback" (heh) from posters here on high-powered zero negative feedback amps. Three hybrid tube/ss models that come to mind are the Monarchy SE 160 & 250 or the Butler TDB 2250.

What's your general opinion on zero feedback amps? Is there an appreciable different in sound quality?

Care to comment on high powered hybrid tube amps? Or the models I list above? Are there other alternatives out there that I should consider if I want to go down this route?

Info about myself, to be helpful: I only have experience with negative feedback ss amps, fyi, and run low-sensitivity speakers (Maggies). I listen to classical music mostly and really prize tonal balance and weight rather than things like sound stage or bass impact.
jult52

Showing 2 responses by unsound

I'd hazard a guess that true "Zero Negative Feedback Amps with High Power) are not too common. High powered amps without global feedback might be more common, Ayre, Pass and Threshold come to mind, I guess there are others.
IMHO (YMMV, etc.,etc.) judicious use of feedback might be getting more negative feedback (ha!) than is warranted, in fact it might be beneficial.
There are many factors to be considered when choosing an amp, over stating the importance of one or a few factors out of context of the whole might cause one to dismiss some other wise good or even better candidates. But most of us do seem to prioritize things differently and if that's tantamount in deriving your short list, I suppose it's as good as any. It wouldn't be to me.