2. amps-preamps
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Please help me understand

There are two concepts I've never been able to reconcile. How is it possible for different amps to have similar distortion levels (inaudible), yet still have what audiophiles might describe as a "tonal signature". In other words, how is it possible for an amp to have a perceived "warm" or "bright" sound, if it's accurately reproducing the input signal? It seems to me that all high quality, properly functioning amps should sound the same. If they don't, them some of them aren't doing their job very well.
danoroo
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
The same way it is possible for two people to have the same height, weight and close size but look completely different. THD is a small part of the story.
hakuchosan
39 posts
 
"have what audiophiles might describe as a "tonal signature". In other words, how is it possible for an amp to have a perceived "warm" or "bright" sound, if it's accurately reproducing the input signal?"

for amps it is easier to understand - different components/circuit/design to PROCESS the signal...

but what i dont get it is how power cables, fuses, IC have "tonal signature" also ??? thats a lot bigger mystery...
danoroo OP
239 posts
 
I understand what you're saying Hakuchosan. One piece of 10 foot, 12 gauge copper (Cu) wire sounds "warm", yet another piece of 10 foot, 12 gauge copper (Cu) wire sounds "harsh". Go figure. And, thank you guys for your replies to my question.
frogman
7,472 posts
 
Some good comments above. And wonder of wonders, not one comment claiming that they DO sound the same if they measure the same. I would just like to add that not only don't we yet know how to measure everything that might affect the signal passing through an amplifier, but we also underestimate how little the deviation from perfect has to be for the human ear to hear it. The human ear is more sensitive than any measuring tool.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,336 posts
 
PRetty much everything in the signal path makes a difference to some extent, some more audible than others. Add it all up and there is good chance two amps will not sound exactly the same.

There's a lot more to it than the minimal measurements and specs that are typically made available if you are lucky.
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