Push-pull amps tend to cancel the even order harmonic distortions. Single ended amps tend to have both even and odd order harmonic distortions that diminish with order, i.e. 7th order distortion would be less than 6th order distortion. Jean Hiraga, one of the pioneering spirits in psychoascoustic principals in high end reproduction, postulated, in the forward thinking French rag Le Review D' Son, in the 1970s, that this linearly diminishing distortion signature was more consonant with the fabric of the music and thus more euphonic. I don't really think that there has been any empirical evidence to support the claim, but those that prefer single ended amplifiers tend to be religious in their adherance to the sonic superiority of their chosen architecture. And yes, I do think that the distortion spectra affects our perception of the the frequency response.
harmonic distortion and frequency response
i spoke to the designer of the chimera cables, a small firm in texas, following a recommendation and a favorable comment from my friend who purchased a one meter pair of interconnect cables.
i discussed with hime the obvious effect of frequency response on perceived "tonal" balance and he mentioned that two components, including cables could measure the same with respect to frequency response, but if one had more odd order harmonic distortion, it might be experienced as unpleasant.
given the fact that most components are designed with very low levels of harmonic ditortion, i thought that frequency response, i.e., spectral balance is the main concern with respect to "tonal" balance.
could someone explain the relationship between perceived unpleasantness of sound, spectral balance and harmonic distortion ?
whne correcting problems in stereo system performance, it may be easier to correct for peaks and dips than to ferret out problems caused by harmonic distortion.
i discussed with hime the obvious effect of frequency response on perceived "tonal" balance and he mentioned that two components, including cables could measure the same with respect to frequency response, but if one had more odd order harmonic distortion, it might be experienced as unpleasant.
given the fact that most components are designed with very low levels of harmonic ditortion, i thought that frequency response, i.e., spectral balance is the main concern with respect to "tonal" balance.
could someone explain the relationship between perceived unpleasantness of sound, spectral balance and harmonic distortion ?
whne correcting problems in stereo system performance, it may be easier to correct for peaks and dips than to ferret out problems caused by harmonic distortion.