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Different amplifier class for different music genres?

I was reading a review of the Gryphon Antileon Evo in another forum and one user was saying that in the High bias mode the amplifier was excellent for classical music but not so good for metal or hard rock, perhaps softening the transients. For metal or hard rock he preferred the Low bias mode and he suggested that the Gryphon Diablo will be more suitable for this type of music (of course one is a final amp, the other an integrated one).

So the question is: does the class of the amplifier matter or better suit the type of music you are listening to? 

I have never owned a class A amplifier and I am itching to try some. I am currently using Hypex based diy monos driving Vienna Acoustics Mahler speakers.

greg_f
yeti42's avatar
yeti42
287 posts
 
I had a demo of some Thiel speakers some years back using an Accuphase integrated. Tool was a waste of time  with this combo but the same speakers with a Rega amp were fine. It may have been more of a matching issue that just the amp as some Opera Secondas didn’t have any problem with the same track and the Accuphase.

I’ve been using two cartridges recently, an SPU Royal N and a Dynavector 17D3
The Dynavector makes the music sound fast paced, the SPU has a more measured pace but it swings, I missed it when I switched to the Dynavector but there are some discs that are better with the Dynavector. Same turntable, arm and everything else.
greg_f OP
121 posts
 
@yeti42  Thanks, that is exactly what I want to avoid, a total mismatch of amp with the speaker for the type of music that I listen to. Perhaps a more appropriate question would be to ask for amp recommendations for my speakers, if anyone still uses them... 
yyzsantabarbara
5,556 posts
 
I use my Benchmark AHB2 and neutral  HPA4 preamp and DAC3B for hard rock such as, Zeppelin, Maiden (especially the album with "Running Free").

I have Thiel CS3.7 and the AHB2 are not ideal power wise so I have occasionally switched it up with a powerful Class D amp, D-Sonic M3a  800s. I am getting the CODA #8 to alternate with my AHB2 monos.

For most other music I use my warmer gear such as the CODA 07x preamp and Gustard X26 Pro DAC. 

It is a breeze to flip the amps the way I have it setup.
igor1069's avatar
igor1069
11 posts
 
I have a Cambridge Audio Azul 851 A Intergrated it’s there own type I guess. A/b technically. I like it fine. Best amp I owned. However I been infacturated lately with Jeff Rowland but I’d only be able to afford one of his type D like a 525. ( Dream would be a 625- A/b) My question is would I’d be downgrading going to the JR-525 even though it’s considered high end?
redwoodaudio
415 posts
 
OP, ask a sincere question, this forum will often give you lame dismissals from glib fools.  
Class of amp is not particularly relevant, in my experience. Lots of other variables that are more specific, but also resist easy generalization.  But I just found a heavy metal match made in heaven.  For example, I put silver interconnects in on Friday for the first time, and combined with my ultra-fast and clean nagra psa solid state amp, I reconnected with TOOLs latest album with crazy fast transients and precise treble in a new way.  Some of the warmth I like with my piano trio jazz music is missing, though.  


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