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Silky and soft highs: product of coloration?

Hi folks this is a bit controversial topic. I know some amplifiers (and some very expensive ones too!) have a very silky and soft presentation of the (upper) treble. I'm wondering if this silky presentation can be considered as a hallmark of quality for amplifiers or rather a sort of coloration that makes the upper treble soft and "pretty". In my opinion I can divide amplifiers in two groups: one group (the largest) with "ordinary" treble response (not very pretty) and the other group that consists of only a handful of amplifiers (both solid state and tube) with a refined and silky treble. The contenders within this last group are alas too expensive for mere mortals. This brings me to another question: is such a refined and silky treble only to be had with megabuck amplifiers?
I consider the Anne-Sophie Mutter recording "Carmen Fantasie" as the ultimate test recording for treble sweetness. If the amplifier sounds just "ordinary" with this recording (especially where the violin plays in the upper register) then the amplifier is not "refined" enough.

Chris
dazzdax
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Dave, hmm, I don't know. I know at least one person (who owns only the finest audio gear) that the poweramp has the most profound effect on final sound, even more than the speakers.

Chris
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Chris

Maybe in his system. But after 35 years....my ears tell "me" different. The hobby is pretty much all opinions anyway Chris, so I won't put up to much of an argument, in favor of mine.

At least we agree on the violin recording (-:

Dave
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
No. In real life, female vocalists with a 'silky and soft' presentation, and violins, alone or massed have a clear, 'silky' sheen that digital has a hard time recreating. If the amp is taking a harsh signal and 'fixing it' then I guess it would be coloration. But if it is the signal it gets, and sends it out amplified... I would say it is true to the source.

So, two things here: An amp that can transfer the perfect signal would pass crap as well as perfection. Or: the amp that makes it all sound like a silk purse.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the room, the speakers, and most of all,the recording, have a bigger part to play for those silky highs than the amp. a good amp just sends the signal its given.
dgarretson
2,394 posts
 
This is probably the toughest thing to get right in a system-- silky treble without loss of detail, and treble bite (on brass & strings) without aggressiveness. Source, preamp, amp, speakers all make or break. I think one giveaway that it's not right is if a silky, pretty treble is accompanied by weak dynamics lower in the frequency range. In my tube system at least, I've found that steps taken to improve control & dynamics usually extend and refine treble. Since the amp has the key roll in dictating system dynamics, perhaps this is where your friend is coming from with his observation about its importance.
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