2. amps-preamps
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Should an amp have a "personality"?

I currently have a SimAudio W-7 amp.  If there is a word to describe its sound, it would be NEUTRALITY precisely capitalized.  I mean it is neutral to a fault.  It's NOT warm, or bright, or analytical, or sweet, or anything that might be misconstrued as a personality.  It's just "IS".  It has nothing that would offend me but nothing that is endearing either.  I suppose some people may like this type of sound.  I also have another SimAudio Moon W-3 amp, and although it is neutral, but it has a distinct personality of being slightly forward, slightly upfront and ultimately more interesting to listen to.  

At this point, I am a bit disappointed what the W7 is not "FOR".  I want its sound to be FOR something be it slightly warm, or forward, or a touch bright or something that is a bit interesting even if it is a flaw.  It's like a politician who wouldn't say he's for something at the risk of offending his potential voters.  

PASS Labs amps are known to be a bit warm in the bass along with all their class A type of sound just as tube amps but they somehow make music sings.  
andy2
jond's avatar
jond
5,744 posts
 
I once had a preamp that was neutral to the point it bored me, I sold it and moved on. There are tons of amps out there that are slightly warm SS and tubed.
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andy2 OP
1,545 posts
 
Andy, could you learn to read English?
Not your English.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,580 posts
 
It sounds as if your amp does not engage you musically.  That may be the fault of the amp or maybe you've just gotten overly familiar with it.  Most people here buy their "final" amp or other piece of gear at least a few times.  After a while that amp that blew your socks off at first just doesn't do it anymore.

Find another amp that gets you involved in the music and don't worry about it being flavored or neutral, just enjoy it.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Something is lacking in your amp or amp/speakers unit or the entire chain. The sound you get is not 'neutral', it is boring. Sound that is true to the recording will not be boring, it will be engaging in a right way. This is not to say that engaging sound cannot be far from the original. Preferences vary, that's why we choose different speakers.
To answer your question directly, even though you posed it incorrectly. Yes, amp should have a personality, and in fact it always does. Compare Gryphon to Soulution to DartZeel to FM Acoustic to Nagra. Top level transistor amps, they all will have distinct personalities in any set-up.
Sorry, man, you might have to sell both of your Sim Audio amps and go higher.
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