+++ Hey, Paul, who appointed you the arbiter of meaningful information here on Audiogon +++
I did.
+++ The SET amp threw a bigger soundstage, was more warm and full, and had a more ripe bass +++
Yes, you're describing the coloration I mentioned in my previous posts. Ripe bass = distortion.
+++ Which was better? You tell me +++ and +++ I preferred the big SS amp but maybe someone else might have preferred the SET amp presentation +++
Your SS amp is better. (Refer to my prefer post) We both would prefer your SS amp. And yes, there are folks who prefer music with colorations. I distance myself from those folks and their so called tube sound; their sound is not tube sound, it is simply distorted sound.
+++ The main point here is that the original poster asked if high powered amps were better or worse than low-powered amps +++
Yes. High powered amps are worse than low power amps. Much worse. However, very few low powered amps are better because they are not deployedcorrectly.
+++ I think it is patently ridiculous to make generalizations on amplifier power sonics when there are so many variables that cannot possibly be kept constant, not least of which is personal tastes +++
That is your opinion and I respect it as such. I do disagree with it.
+++ If it were that easy, only one type of amp would be manufactured. +++ and +++ There is a place for all types of amps, and as always, listening is the final judge.+++
If what was so easy?
1.) Small amps are the very best. That is easy. No black magic in electronics. The more components in the signal path, the less lower level detail. No ifs, no buts, no maybes. That is a fact and it can be measured quite easily.
2.)Deploying small amps to get the best out of them is difficult. Therefore, small amps for the folks that know how, big amps for the folks that don't or couldn't be bothered.
Regards
Paul
I did.
+++ The SET amp threw a bigger soundstage, was more warm and full, and had a more ripe bass +++
Yes, you're describing the coloration I mentioned in my previous posts. Ripe bass = distortion.
+++ Which was better? You tell me +++ and +++ I preferred the big SS amp but maybe someone else might have preferred the SET amp presentation +++
Your SS amp is better. (Refer to my prefer post) We both would prefer your SS amp. And yes, there are folks who prefer music with colorations. I distance myself from those folks and their so called tube sound; their sound is not tube sound, it is simply distorted sound.
+++ The main point here is that the original poster asked if high powered amps were better or worse than low-powered amps +++
Yes. High powered amps are worse than low power amps. Much worse. However, very few low powered amps are better because they are not deployedcorrectly.
+++ I think it is patently ridiculous to make generalizations on amplifier power sonics when there are so many variables that cannot possibly be kept constant, not least of which is personal tastes +++
That is your opinion and I respect it as such. I do disagree with it.
+++ If it were that easy, only one type of amp would be manufactured. +++ and +++ There is a place for all types of amps, and as always, listening is the final judge.+++
If what was so easy?
1.) Small amps are the very best. That is easy. No black magic in electronics. The more components in the signal path, the less lower level detail. No ifs, no buts, no maybes. That is a fact and it can be measured quite easily.
2.)Deploying small amps to get the best out of them is difficult. Therefore, small amps for the folks that know how, big amps for the folks that don't or couldn't be bothered.
Regards
Paul