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Silky and soft highs: product of coloration?

Hi folks this is a bit controversial topic. I know some amplifiers (and some very expensive ones too!) have a very silky and soft presentation of the (upper) treble. I'm wondering if this silky presentation can be considered as a hallmark of quality for amplifiers or rather a sort of coloration that makes the upper treble soft and "pretty". In my opinion I can divide amplifiers in two groups: one group (the largest) with "ordinary" treble response (not very pretty) and the other group that consists of only a handful of amplifiers (both solid state and tube) with a refined and silky treble. The contenders within this last group are alas too expensive for mere mortals. This brings me to another question: is such a refined and silky treble only to be had with megabuck amplifiers?
I consider the Anne-Sophie Mutter recording "Carmen Fantasie" as the ultimate test recording for treble sweetness. If the amplifier sounds just "ordinary" with this recording (especially where the violin plays in the upper register) then the amplifier is not "refined" enough.

Chris
dazzdax
mrmikesmail
37 posts
 
Definately a combination of all components. While one amp does a good job with one set of speakers, it may distort with ineficient speakers and sound shrill. It really comes down to matching. Some people say Krell amps are too bright but with certain speakers they are great.

You have to remember that everything is coloured and there are many ways too roll off or extend the highs starting with the recording engineer and ending with the room.
rademaker
88 posts
 
It is very difficult to get a grainy free silk soft treble , yes Chris is right only the most expensive brands can do that.
It is not only silk soft grainy free, but also no colourisations that is even more difficult.
I will limit the choice into FM acoustics & Rey audio only, and leave all the other brands out: Cello (too much colourisation in the treble absolutely not neutral), Dartzeel is no competiion against FM acoustics, Boulder do not have that lovely FM acoustics sound. Audio research is not as musical as FM or Rey audio.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
what recording with silky smooth highs turns grainy through an amplifier, except for the above mentioned. whatever you guys are smoking, i need some.
rademaker
88 posts
 
Dazzdax, I would not say so that the amplfiers has the most profound effect on the system, yes it has a very huge effect.
But I myself consider these 3 to have equal huge impact: DAC, speakers, power-amp.

all others such as pre-amp & CD transport can have a huge impact as well, but relatively a very little lesser than the three mentioned.
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Jaybo, you mean the other way around? Grainy violins that turn silky smooth through amplifier? Either way, violins in real life do have a certain graininess and texture but also bloom and airiness, which are altogether difficult to reproduce.

Chris
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