Nate: Easy mistake to make when posting on a complex subject i.e. assuming that we know what you know. Other than that, i agree with what you said. That is, you left out just a few "small" details : )
My thoughts are that you would have gotten VERY different results if you would have taken the measurements with your Krell in the system. The high output impedance that Cary amps demonstrate will typically introduce very measurable divergences from "flat" frequency response in most systems. On top of that, those divergences from neutrality will vary in frequency and amplitude with the different loudspeaker / cable combinations that they are mated with. This is not to say that Cary amps don't or can't sound good, but that the results of mating this type of amp with any given speaker / cable interphase is most assuredly a "crap-shoot" at best. With components like this, it is strictly a matter of "system synergy" as the predictability factor based on science is very low.
As a side note, those that own Cary products and think that i'm slapping them in the face / stepping on your toes, please review some of my previous posts where i mention this brand. While i personally believe that Cary amps are not a very "linear" device, they are quite capable of producing very "musical" sound that is highly enjoyable and projecting vast amounts of spaciousness into a recording. Funny thing is, one of my other "favourites" when it comes to mass-produced tube gear would be Atma-Sphere amps, which measure VERY differently from Cary amps. Completely different ends of the sound and design goals spectrum, so go figure... : )
Other than that, if it were my system and knowing what i know now about the test conditions, i would consider the test runs that you did to be nothing more than an experiment and "learning session". If you wanted to do this "right", you really need to get your amp back in there ( or the amp that you intend to use in the near future ) and give it another series of test runs. Sean
>
PS... If i remember correctly, Stereophile actually tested a Krell amp in the same issue that they did a Cary amp. John Atkinson said something to the effect of "If one of these amps is right, one of them is VERY wrong". Obviously, it all boils down to a matter of personal preferences : )
