2. amps-preamps
  3. 147886-11297

Should an amp have a "personality"?

I currently have a SimAudio W-7 amp.  If there is a word to describe its sound, it would be NEUTRALITY precisely capitalized.  I mean it is neutral to a fault.  It's NOT warm, or bright, or analytical, or sweet, or anything that might be misconstrued as a personality.  It's just "IS".  It has nothing that would offend me but nothing that is endearing either.  I suppose some people may like this type of sound.  I also have another SimAudio Moon W-3 amp, and although it is neutral, but it has a distinct personality of being slightly forward, slightly upfront and ultimately more interesting to listen to.  

At this point, I am a bit disappointed what the W7 is not "FOR".  I want its sound to be FOR something be it slightly warm, or forward, or a touch bright or something that is a bit interesting even if it is a flaw.  It's like a politician who wouldn't say he's for something at the risk of offending his potential voters.  

PASS Labs amps are known to be a bit warm in the bass along with all their class A type of sound just as tube amps but they somehow make music sings.  
andy2
andy2 OP
1,577 posts
 
jetter,

For example, if I need a tube amp that has the same drive as the W7, I would probably have to spend a lot of money.  Of course I could get a 40W tube amp but that won't be enough for most applications.
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,055 posts
 
@andy2 

I agree. There's a difference between "neutrality" as an absolute theoretical and as a subjective impression. Either an amp in our system sounds like it's neutral to us or it doesn't.

It should go without saying that there is no component that ever existed that did not have a "personality". That's baked in to its DNA, whether by design or accident. That's a given.

I don't think we should exclude the discussion of a neutrality in the theoretical sense, it obviously might well be useful technically to understand as much as possible what might contribute, but I don't think that a conversation that starts with subjective impression should be prevented from concluding with the same. We might discuss amp theoretical neutrality all day long, but will it help us to identify the next likely amp candidate to try that might tic all the neutrality boxes for anyone subjectively.

As to your response to jetter's comment, have you considered trying higher efficiency speakers?
andy2 OP
1,577 posts
 
As to your response to jetter's comment, have you considered trying higher efficiency speakers?
I think ultimately every speakers have their compromises.  I currently use the Thiel CS2.4 which I like a lot being time-phase coherent.  
ivan_nosnibor's avatar
ivan_nosnibor
1,055 posts
 
Sooo......you don't want to overspend on power treatments, a new serious amp OR less demanding speakers. All presumably (largely) because any of that costs too much.

Then my friend I think you are in a real pickle...one that I don't know how you might reasonably expect to get out of painlessly...unless you find, or someone can recommend, a less expensive amp that solves all your problems...but, for the life of me, I don't know what that beastie would look like. New-generation class D anyone? 

I think at this point I'd have to be thinking of opening my wallet to have to get out of that trap you're in, no matter which option you might choose....or be content to stay....just sayin'.
inna
7,923 posts
 
I would think that Thiel and Pass would be a match made in hell, by the way, they have nothing in common.
But this is more a theoretical discussion.
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