2. amps-preamps
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Ayre <--> Parasound <--> Pass : where are you?

I’ve been thinking a little bit about three different types of SS amplifier sounds. I’m not really sure what to call them, but I have a definite preference. Here is the spectrum in my mind:

Ayre <--> Parasound <--> Pass 

On the one hand is Ayre and Arcam. Yeah, fight me, but there are big similarities to the sound. I also loved the Pono and what it did for my IEMs, using the Ayre designed output stage. I wish Fiio would license it too.

In the middle is Parasound Halo and ICEpower Class D modules (I’ve owned both) which to me are identical in sound quality. Clearly I’m happy with them for the price!

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Pass. A sound I really don’t like.

But regardless of which you like, what do you think the differences are?

What spectrum do you use to think about solid state amplifiers??
erik_squires
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
2,164 posts
 
looks like Ayre is moving 5 miles to bigger digs....congrats and as such having a moving sale...see your local dealer for details...
i have no dog in fight
only bit of Ayre kit at moment is the A2D in my mobile recording rack....a ref level a2d would be badA !!!!!!


elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
After eight years of owning a Bryston 4B-SST² I can say that it can be made to sound like ANYTHING I WANT with powercords, duplex and IC*. And I have. Gone from thin to rich and full.So a lot of individuals say they hear, is in fact half due to the way the amp is connected. *These attached wire adjustments may also be made to the preamp to alter the final sound. ANd actually the preamp itself may change the way the amp soundn
ebm
5,165 posts
 
Pass has the best sound by far and is a great company as well.The other 2 are far behind in sound and build quality.Enjoy!!!
david_ten
2,509 posts
 
After eight years of owning a Bryston 4B-SST² I can say that it can be made to sound like ANYTHING I WANT

@elizabeth  I'm confused by your statement. Is it the amp that sounds different or is it your system based on the changes you are making (attributable to those changes)? Thanks.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I would say the system sounds different. However the other point is everyone's system consists of wires etc, so how your amp seems to sound to you, is all (perhaps) dependent on what it is connected to also. There IS no way to just 'hear an amp'. You have to connect stuff to it. However I will agree that averaging out how various people together classify the 'sound' of an amp MIGHT be close to what it sounds lik,e on average, in a variety of systems.
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