System synergy is most important. There are big differences in sound between a good tube amp and a SS amp. I also disagree that all good SS amps sound the same. IMO, there are a lot of SS companies that have a HOUSE. For example, classe and McIntosh have warmer sounding amps where there are companies that have more cooler sounding amps.
Is there actually a difference?
Speakers sound different - that is very obvious. But I’ve never experienced a drastic change between amps. Disclaimer that I’ve never personally ABX tested any extremely high end gear.
With all these articles claiming every other budget amp is a "giant killer", I’ve been wondering if there has ever been blind tests done with amplifiers to see if human ears can consistently tell the difference. You can swear to yourself that they do sound different, but the mind is a powerful thing, and you can never be sure unless it’s a truly blind test.
One step further - even IF we actually can tell the difference and we can distinguish a certain amp 7/10 times under extreme scrutiny, is it really worth the thousands you are shelling out to get that nearly-imperceivable .01% increase in performance?
Not looking to stir up any heated debate. I’ve been in audio for several years now and have always thought about this.
With all these articles claiming every other budget amp is a "giant killer", I’ve been wondering if there has ever been blind tests done with amplifiers to see if human ears can consistently tell the difference. You can swear to yourself that they do sound different, but the mind is a powerful thing, and you can never be sure unless it’s a truly blind test.
One step further - even IF we actually can tell the difference and we can distinguish a certain amp 7/10 times under extreme scrutiny, is it really worth the thousands you are shelling out to get that nearly-imperceivable .01% increase in performance?
Not looking to stir up any heated debate. I’ve been in audio for several years now and have always thought about this.
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- 142 posts total
There are plenty, but the most famous one is the Stereo Review one from 1987(?). I've been in a couple. No one did better than a coin flip. |
Check these guys out. Follow link and click on blind tests. They A/B tested 2 systems with only the speakers (ATC SCM 12) and speaker cables in common. System 1 Classe YBA Wadia System 2 Sony Behringer Further more, the the cheap system used really cheap “RadioShack” quality interconnects and was set up on a rickety, wooden chair. http://matrixhifi.com/ENG_marco.htm |
- 142 posts total