I've decided that a well-designed tube amp with large transformers sound the best of what I've heard. McIntosh tube amps pioneered this formula, and I think companies like VAC and Atmasphere have refined it.
What I hear on such amps is the ability to sustain sounds that seem to quickly deplete the power supplies or transformers (caps?) on other designs. Plus they have soft clipping. I've recently upgraded to a VAC 200 IQ, which can truly transform some tracks -- the transient speed is there, but the strength of some notes seem to extend into full flesh, when they used to decay in a more threadbare soundscape.
Perhaps Class-D can do this, also. I liked a Mola-Mola/Giya at a show.
What I hear on such amps is the ability to sustain sounds that seem to quickly deplete the power supplies or transformers (caps?) on other designs. Plus they have soft clipping. I've recently upgraded to a VAC 200 IQ, which can truly transform some tracks -- the transient speed is there, but the strength of some notes seem to extend into full flesh, when they used to decay in a more threadbare soundscape.
Perhaps Class-D can do this, also. I liked a Mola-Mola/Giya at a show.