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.
asianatorizzle
I have owned three different SS amps and could hear the difference between them.
I have owned two tube amps and could hear the difference between them.
What others have said about the more expensive amps offering more power is true.  My ears prefer the sound of tubes, and I definitely prefer the amp I have now (Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP) over my previous amp (Cary SLI-80).  The Primaluna is more powerful, and the preamp stage is better.  The sound improvements are not dramatic, however.  The Cary amp sounded wonderful, it's just that the Primaluna sounds better.

They have to do it over and over again to prove to the "golden ears" that there truly is no real difference!!!
in my ecperience(I'm 52 and have enjoyed this hobby since I was in junior high school). From my first "Sharp brand"  receiver through many different gear changes to my current  "Pass Labs" gear. Yes!!! and worth every penny.
Post removed