Most transparent amp you've heard?

"Is the question as posed useful?"

I didn't think so, that is why I posted.

But, I don't think the question needs to embody the perfect reproduction of a live event issues that permeate the typical 'best' question, all you would need is a speaker/amp combo that let the signal pass unmolested, albeit a good, bad, or ugly signal.

As you already know (in spades!) some excellent amps work well with some speakers. Some don't. Each speaker has its own set of pecularities and no amp is universal, although some amps do have a broader range of application. So if one doesn't know the speaker involved how could they guess what specific amp would sound better in it that another?

It eludes me anyway. :-) BTW I think these are all nice amps with great potential.

I wish i knew more about amps. I was under the impression that an amp just amplifies the signal sent from the cd player or whatever the transport is. I think im a bit afraid to listen to some really higher end amps. I just dont have the means to invest in really hi end stuff. Although i would love to hear a super hi end system just to see what im missing which im sure is alot. thanx for any info Kevin

You have exactly outlined my reference chain, and how I evaluate my system's performance. Why is it that when I mention it the result is ridicule? Very interesting!
Rodman99999 (Answers)

Rodman99999, unless your listening room is identical to the room in which a recording was mixed, and unless you own both the original electronics and speakers through which the recording was mixed so you are able to compare the sound of the mixing studio to the sound reproduced by your reference system in your listening room, then you will never know if what you have is true to the recording. This is obviously a ridiculous scenario, but one made to illustrate the point.

No one here doubts you have a very nice system, a rich exposure to live music, and a fine ear, but let's not pronounce you...or anyone else..."The Oracle" just yet. OK?

Newbee, I agree the argument that a system embody the perfect reproduction of a live event is moot because it's an impossibility.

As William Goldman said in "Adventures of the Screen Trade", no one knows anything. This applies to audio as well, for the reasons you stated.

I think im a bit afraid to listen to some really higher end amps. I just dont have the means to invest in really hi end stuff.
Flyin2jz (Threads | Answers)

Don't be afraid to enjoy whatever gear is within your means. Your opinion is as valid as anyone else's here.

Tvad- If the reproduction in my listening room is true(largely- no claim to perfection here) to the original session, what more can be asked? The TacT RCS(modded), and room treatments that I am employing do a very nice job of eliminating the listening room from the equation. To be honest: I'd have deleted that last post after re-reading it, had this site allowed it. It smacks of a persecution complex. Please note: I never even made a recommendation. Hardly the sign of a wannabe oracle. I am surprised that no one has mentioned interconnects and cables(more variables) with regards to the lack of transparency innate to most.