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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
greg_f OP
110 posts
 
@minorl
An amplifier is designed to amplify the input signal with expected 100% accuracy. It is designed to operate with a flat frequency response over the stated frequency range into a designed for load.

The key word here is ' expected '. I am not suggesting that an amplifier designer doesn't aim to design the perfect straight wire amplifier (some don't) but we all know the perfect amplifier is impossible to achieve. There are so many design decisions that need to be taken into account, choice of topology, cost, component quality used, etc Then there is the 'flair', experience and expertise of the design team. There are so many factors that can change the sound of an amplifier. Therefore an amplifier may have to be designed to perform perfectly in some areas but not so great in than others.


ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
However, I also have 3 others,
...
that sound different with the same music. I wonder which one of those cheated?
Correction. You have 4 systems consisting of:
  • source
  • interconnects
  • POWER AMP
  • speaker cables
  • speakers
Multiply number of systems by 2 for each of the lower case items that are changed with the power amps.
minorl
1,019 posts
 
Sorry, meant to write 1kHz signal, not 1mHz.

enjoy
seanheis1
633 posts
 
Class D really excels for home theatre and electronica type music with the speed, bass grip, and clarity. Tubes not so good with that.

Acoustic music, jazz or folk...slower music with less bass impact is where tubes tend to excel. The tone or timbre is better as well compared to that leaner cooler Class D tone.

A hybrid system can overcome these weaknesses with a tube input in front of a Class D output. Great synergy if done right.     
speakermaster
738 posts
 
A great amplifier should be able to play all types of music but finding a great one is difficult but well worth the time and effort as well as a pair of speakers that will play all types of music but they are hard to find too so good luck searching but that is the fun part along the way you will hear a lot of music.
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