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How far have ss amps really come in the last twenty years?

I have owned and enjoyed my Jeff Rowland model 8 ( recently modded and upgraded by Jeff to the last version) for many years. I recently had the opportunity of comparing it ( after mods) to a few of the current ss models from Gamut, D'Agostino, YBA, Parasound, Sim audio, CH precision, Constellation,PS audio,Pass Labs  and Musical Fidelity. The results were very interesting, because to my ears and in the systems that we did the comparison, the Rowland held its own against all but the most expensive D'Ag and CH amps. Even those were only very slightly outclassing the Rowland in the areas of top end resolution...and a tad in the bottom end resolution. Now the thing is that the last revision to the Rowland 8 was designed by Jeff over ten years ago! 
So, my question for those more technically inclined than myself is...how far has the design of ss amps come in the last ten...or even twenty years? 
128x128daveyf
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
If you want to hear an amplifier sound "different" get a tube amp with an output impedance of several ohms! Ohm's Law rules here! A frequency response that will follow the varying impedance of the typical speaker.
mrdecibel
3,067 posts
 
Hogwash. All amplifiers have a sound, and are distinctly different from one another. Which you prefer has many factors, such as the speakers being driven, with their sensitivity and impedance. Amps can change a little from the output source impedance driving them. Circuit designs, parts used, size and regulation of the power supplies, all matter. What is your flavor ? The best sounding ( smoothest ) to me are Class A designs. To answer the question as to what is new in 20 years, I would say Class D output stages. For those who do not hear differences in amplification, I would not outwardly admit it. I am sorry for you, because there is much to be discovered. Enjoy ! MrD.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@mrdecibel : I probably have more amps (both SS and tube) on hand (along with speakers) than you do! So I can speak with some experience! And I agree with you that Class D is an interesting development - though I was aware of it long ago with Infinity's ill-fated attempt at it! 
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8th-note
420 posts
 
In an interview with Steve Guttenberg Dan D'Agostino commented that one of the best sounding amps he ever produced was the KSA 50. I have a KSA 300S and I have wondered how it would compare to today's high end SS amps. I have personally heard a direct comparison between Bryston 28B3 monos and 2 different high end Class D amps which shall go unnamed. The difference was striking and obvious within the first 5 seconds. The Brystons incorporating a traditional design were far superior in every respect to the more "modern" Class D amps. So, addressing the original question, it's clear to me that newer circuit designs are not necessarily better. 
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