2. amps-preamps
  3. 167496-37252

Different amplifier class for different music genres?

I was reading a review of the Gryphon Antileon Evo in another forum and one user was saying that in the High bias mode the amplifier was excellent for classical music but not so good for metal or hard rock, perhaps softening the transients. For metal or hard rock he preferred the Low bias mode and he suggested that the Gryphon Diablo will be more suitable for this type of music (of course one is a final amp, the other an integrated one).

So the question is: does the class of the amplifier matter or better suit the type of music you are listening to? 

I have never owned a class A amplifier and I am itching to try some. I am currently using Hypex based diy monos driving Vienna Acoustics Mahler speakers.

greg_f
desferous
29 posts
 
I was wondering not about different amps for different styles of music, but different speakers? Maybe I should start a different thread but are different speakers for different genres something people do? 
sgreg1
612 posts
 
I remember reading a thread a while back where the person was trying to make an argument that Richard Vandersteen engineers his crossovers so hard rock guitar does not sound good on his speakers! I thought that was way out of line unless he had a statement from Richard to back up his claim. Yes all amps can have a different signature sound and that might sound different with the type of music being played. Note I said might and what might sound good to you might not for someone else. To me it is “kinda” like tube rolling. You can effect the sound profile where one will sound better but I don’t think any would sound bad. Enjoy the music.
itsjustme
683 posts
 
that's just nuts.  Higher classes of operation reduce distortion ( and generate heat).  While, as it goes from Class B through various shades of AB to A, you have a major league diminishing return - its always GOOD.  Absolute utter nonsense.
I've designed more than i can count.  I rarely go for pure A because its so inefficient and can be hot, but is always at least marginally better.

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@czarivey 
Nice to hear from you.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
To see how different settings on amps influence sound, read my review of the Gold Note PA-1175 at Dagogo.com

To see how class D is usurping the other classes of amps, classes A, A/B and tube amps - in fact, already has with some brands/models of class D - read my review of the Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra Amplifier at the same site. 

Seeking any equipment for purported superior performance with any particular genre of music is a great way to build a mediocre rig. I suggest the OP search for an amp that will drive any genre of speakers in a superior fashion, as this will more likely ensure superior performance. As explicated in the review.   :) 


More to discover