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Class "A" sound, as related to Stereophile.


It's all about the sound.

It's all about sound, not how much it cost; when I got into "high end", I knew right off the bat I couldn't afford it, but I had to find one thing for sure; how do the various components sound in regard to Stereophile's classes, or ratings? In order to know this; I had to acquire the ability to identify "Stereophile's" class "A" class "B" and class "C" sounds, and the only way to do that was: first, subscribe to Stereophile, and next was to go to every high end audio salon within driving distance; there were 5 well stocked "high end" salons within driving distance. (Since I didn't take my wife, that created some problems)

After a few years of subscribing to Stereophile, plus auditioning equipment that Stereophile recommended, I knew the sound of those recommendations, and I absolutely concurred with them; "If you want to hear the music, you got to pay the piper". While that's true, it's possible to get class "A" sound with class "B" bucks or less.

At this moment, I am looking at 8 capacitors that cost $25 dollars each, plus 2 mono blocks with an instant resale value of 6K. Once I take the covers off and go in with my soldering iron, these mono blocks are worth a resell of O; my mission must be a success. After a successful mission, the resell is still 0; but those mono blocks will deliver class "A" or "A"+ sound, and that's some sweet music.

I have to visualize and hear music in my head before I can modify a component to deliver class "A" sound; but that's the only way for me to get what has become a necessity.

The pressure someone is under when they modify, is great, but the rewards are glorious. On these mono blocks, they are too small for the huge capacitors, therefore I have to figure a way to make the case larger. My reward is "sound" with absolutely no relation to money. I often wander if someone with a fat bankroll can identify the sound, or only how much they paid for each piece.


Happy listening.

orpheus10
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Dave, I just listen to music without thinking about my speakers, but when someone said speakers are the most important thing in a rig; that started me to thinking about my speakers. When I tried to evaluate them, there was nothing to evaluate; they're like those lizards that change colors; they take on whatever color the source gives them, and that includes interconnect wire.

That is what I set out to get originally, and that's what I got.

I recall some B&W 801 or some other number in the 800 series that sounded huge, although they were normal sized speakers; I might like them, but they require a much larger amplifier than the one I got. I would like to hear some other high quality speakers, but that might require spending enough to buy some speakers.

I think I will leave well enough alone and enjoy my nonexistent speakers.


Enjoy the music.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 

Dave and Veridian, these are the Heil AMT's from "Wkipedia"; this tells all about them


        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Motion_Transformer

I use 6 inch Vifa for the midrange; they developed some new 6 inch midrange speakers, so I got them for an easy swap. The woofer is 12 inch Pioneer, nothing special, just quite solid and musical.
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Good plan o. Enjoy.

Best to you,
Dave
ps
757 posts
 
Is there a list of qualities that outlines for a listener / review reader how to somehow identify in real world terms, the critical differences between a "class A" and "class B" speaker? All variables aside?

Many years ago I heard a pair of very expensive speakers in an audio salon in NoCal, which were so dynamic and detailed that they proved to be oppressive. I literally got seasick and dizzy listening to them. Came close to puking, actually.

I’ve been starting to think that with audio, once you’ve attainted a certain level of gear, music, and listening sophistication, "less is more." Unless, perhaps, you’re into Metal or other headbanger music. Or simply a masochist.
erik_squires
16,180 posts
 
Just a little to add about custom speakers. I DO recommend them from reputable makers. There are a lot of very nice speaker systems made of unbelievably good drivers.  You can get as involved as you'd like. If you are like me,  you'll design every bit and let the cabinet maker deal with the sawdust. :)

I really wish every audiophile would make at least 1 pair of speakers in their lifetime, it would totally change their outlook and demystify a lot of it, but that won't happen so speaker makers and esoteric accessory makers will continue to charge exorbitant amounts. 

In any event, if you are interested, here's my blog post to help you get into it as much as you'd like.

https://speakermakersjourney.blogspot.com/2016/05/custom-speaker-making.html

Best,

Erik
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