I have not heard the amps you mention but I do generally seem to prefer amplifiers that use Bi-Polar output devices, such as Clayton's M300 monos. One possibly meaningful comparison I have made was when I owned both the M300s and Lamm's M1.2 Reference amplifiers for an extended period of time (i.e., months). I ended up keeping the Claytons and selling the Lamms but I cannot rule out that my preference may have been due to the difference in power between those amplifiers.
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Generally, there is a small difference between FET type devices and bipolar devices. Sometimes FET devices can have a colored texture to the sound - more of a warm and fuzzy type sonic signature. This is not always the case, but FET does lean this way. The warmth of Pass Labs (and possibly Accuphase) definitely leans this way. I would not say Pass is very warm, but it’s a nice controlled easy listening sound. Bipolar is usually a lot cleaner sounding (without that warmth influence). Gryphon is an example of this. Sometimes the high bias Class A bipolar devices can present a very smoothed over and liquidy sound (this is also an extreme coloration, but it’s different than the FET warmth). The new Krell sliding bias Class A amps are like this. New Mark Levinson are also very liquidy sounding. There are many others, but I can’t remember them. |
@auxinput Your description is pretty much what I hear between MOSFET and bipolar or BJT output stages. BAT solid state amplifiers are another that to me have that soft/warm/fuzzy sound. The effect is less noticeable in the Lamm hybrid amplifiers I have owned, but still perceptible as a fuller, less distinct and slightly boomy bass presentation, at least to my ears. |
audiobrian High biased push/pull Class-A sound when all is correct, has an ease to it, almost like you need to turn it up. Complementary output transistors like Bi-Polar’s generally will punch far more current than complementary Mosfets can. If both are used in push/pull high biased Class-A like these amps you mentioned, you’ll find the Bi-Polar output amp able to drive far more taxing speaker loads, and therefore sound have a lot more punch when needed into those speakers. Pass and Accuphase use Mosfets and a Gryphon uses Bi-Polar output transistors, on speakers like most all Wilsons ect ect, I would suggest watt for watt the Gryphon’s Cheers George |
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