Is there actually a difference?


Speakers sound different - that is very obvious. But I’ve never experienced a drastic change between amps. Disclaimer that I’ve never personally ABX tested any extremely high end gear.

With all these articles claiming every other budget amp is a "giant killer", I’ve been wondering if there has ever been blind tests done with amplifiers to see if human ears can consistently tell the difference. You can swear to yourself that they do sound different, but the mind is a powerful thing, and you can never be sure unless it’s a truly blind test.

One step further - even IF we actually can tell the difference and we can distinguish a certain amp 7/10 times under extreme scrutiny, is it really worth the thousands you are shelling out to get that nearly-imperceivable .01% increase in performance?

Not looking to stir up any heated debate. I’ve been in audio for several years now and have always thought about this.
asianatorizzle
in my ecperience(I'm 52 and have enjoyed this hobby since I was in junior high school). From my first "Sharp brand"  receiver through many different gear changes to my current  "Pass Labs" gear. Yes!!! and worth every penny.
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sktn77a
They have to do it over and over again to prove to the "golden ears" that there truly is no real difference!!!

>>>>You’re close. Very close! It’s actually to prove to themselves they’re not deaf and that it’s OK to have a mediocre system.
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There are, in my mind, kind of 3 amps you should listen to and see if you think they sound the same:

Parasound
Pass
Ayre

These amps to me are rather opposed to each other in terms of sound. 

If you cannot tell the difference between them, buy the cheapest one. :) 

Best,

E