Some may disagree, however I believe MID-FI gear really took a hit in the late 70's until the 90's. Much of it build wise. Pioneer had those gross tan, plastic faceplates. Technics had cheap looking "graphs" printed on the faceplate, AKAI tape deck LED meter strips only had 5 lights per channel, just junk everywhere
20 Year Old Amplifiers compared to 2017
Just a random thought, but I’m curious just how well the state of the art solid-state amplifiers from 20 years ago compare to some of today’s better offerings. For example, what does a pair of Mark Levinson 33Hs or a Krell FPB 600 sound like if compared to the latest offerings from Pass Labs or Ayre Acoustics?
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Amplifier technology reached maturity in the seventies, when output transformers were abandoned in solid state amps. Ever since, well designed amplifiers used within their specifications have exceeded human hearing acuity.@cheeg, As I pointed out earlier, the statement you quoted isn't correct on several counts. I did not address the output transformer bit, but other than MacIntosh, that really wasn't a thing with solid state amps even in the 1960s. It may be that what he really meant to say was 'coupling' or 'driver' transformer, as a good number of older designs from the 60s and early 70s did employ audio transformers to drive the bases of the output transistors in the design. As far as 'their specifications have exceeded human hearing acuity', this statement isn't true either for the reasons I stated earlier in this thread. |
@atmasphere, thanks for your input — That sounds like a plausible interpretation of what willemj meant by his opening sentence. I’d be interested to hear Will weigh in here, especially if he meant something different. As far as the second part of his statement (“exceeded human hearing acuity”), I would agree that is pretty subjective, as evidenced by the many contrary opinions on this thread. |
imgoodwithtools The now "40 YEARS OLD" John Curl designed Mark Levinson ML-2 Monoblocks in good condition, will blow away most of today's Tube,Class-D and even most Solid State amps. At only!!! 25w Pure Class-A per channel into 8ohms, It's said they will do 50w into 4ohm, 100w into 2ohm and 200w into 1ohm http://www.hifido.co.jp/photo/05/504/50446/c.jpg http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uGHPSseR-w/U3aWYTrghsI/AAAAAAAB8yI/XxdvN_K7-jk/s1600/ML2a.JPG https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i2/88221699/TB21ecDdFXXXXXNXXXXXXXXXXXX_!!88221699.jpg Cheers George |
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