2. amps-preamps
  3. 1205057895

Why do amps sound different?

Hi folks, can anyone tell me why amps sound different? I know this is a very trivial question, but it isn't so trivial as I previously thought. For example: an amp can sound "warm", while the other can sound "lean" and a bit "cooler". These amps measure the same on the test bench, but why do they sound different? What causes the "warm" characteristic if the amp has pretty good measurements and frequency characteristics? It is certainly not measurable high frequency roll off, otherwise the amp sucks. Maybe one of the experts among us can elucidate this issue a bit. Thank you.

Chris
dazzdax
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@path73 John Otvos did that with his Waveform speaker. He used a custom-made three-way active x-over made by Bryston and three Bryston stereo amps (one per driver). No internal passive x-overs! Excellent SQ! And this was 30+ years ago! Now apparently unknown by the younger audiophiles! Remember this name: WAVEFORM!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Most electronics (amps, preamps, DACs) have been essentially sounding alike for the last 20+ years! Contrary to what the "golden ear" crowd claims! The marketplace dictates good sound and weeds out poor designs (except for some tube gear!). You want a better "sound"? Well then, buy a BETTER pair of speakers!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
The speaker is THE overwhelming influence on SQ - NOT the amp, preamp, DAC, interconnect, speaker wire, fuse ...
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@atmasphere  Paul Klipsch opined that what the World needs is a good 5 watt amp! Along with his K-Horns, of course! I believe he favored the Brook 2A3 PP amps! 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
I have some SE amps: 2A3, 45, 6BG6. They do sound nice in use with my Heresy's!
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