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
andy2 OP
1,545 posts
 
Neutral, Natural, what is it really
Some have made the accusations that every component has its own sound personality therefore nothing is "neutral". Then why professional reviewers and people keep using the word "neutral"? Kind of a mystery.

I think it is the Thiels that are not making you happy
Ultimately I think every speakers will have their own compromises.  I can get a smaller monitors but it will have its short comings.  
mrdecibel
3,062 posts
 
I have found most professional reviewers use the term, referencing to live, unamplified music. Also the comment is always used after they use an " audiophile " recording ( properly mic’d, mixed and mastered ), not a compressed, badly produced recording. Getting back to the speaker situation. My Lascalas and Kosst’s focals, although different, can play any kind of music, with authority and a bit of volume to boot. I owned, and have sold Thiels, and " exciting " is not their thing ( again, not to fight with anyone ), although I really do understand why people love them, and there is a lot to love, but you might have outgrown them. Remember this, a system is a " synergy " of all things, all parts necessary for playback. Enjoy ! MrD.
mrdecibel
3,062 posts
 
Andy, please read my 1st post on this thread ( previous page ). My own words, after being at this for 50 years.
mrdecibel
3,062 posts
 
But, with the Sim W3 being better to your ears, it just might be the amp.
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi Andy 2, preamps and poweramps should have no personality, ruler flat, otherwise transparency = information suffers greatly. 
If you want a different voicing you can do that with everything else down the chain. It comes cheaper and easier to tailor.
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