ahofer, Maybe we can get together, at my home, using my system, with me blindfolded, and you change out a few amplifiers of your choosing. I will want a 3rd party here. I believe you have stated in other posts of yours, that you do hear differences between some digital gear, which is interesting to me, because our ears only respond to the analog portion of digital gear, as we cannot hear " 0s " and " 1s ". Listen, I get it. You do not hear differences, so, you feel they do not exist. That is fine, and unfortunate. I do not need to convince you, or anyone, of anything. I am generally a lone listener, and I am in this hobby for myself. I am in Central Florida if you ever want to arrange something. I have 20 or so amplifiers here, and you are welcome to bring anything you have. My last statement, however is this. In this hobby, you are in the minority of listeners that do not hear differences in amplifiers. And yes, I have changed out capacitors ( tremendous in speakers, too ), enlarged power supplies ( well actually a tech friend ), and for years, have changed out power cords, on products that were available before IEC inlets, with differences in sq, and usually, for the better. And I do need to ask this. If you do own very expensive gear, and admit you do not hear differences, why do you own such expensive gear ? I know you are a wall street guy, so maybe it is because of prestige. You tell me. Enjoy ! MrD.
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?
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?
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@mrdecibel My interest in this is about the tension between my subjective and objective self, really. I’ve enjoyed the equipment I’ve owned (although I don’t upgrade nearly as much as the average audiophile) and that’s enough for me. Unfortunately, being an audiophile is negative status, if anything, in my part of finance. Exotic athletic achievements, massive watches, and ultra-casual seem to be the thing now. It is indeed possible my hearing is shot. I’ve played in big bands and attend concerts every two weeks, as well as ride the subway daily. I actually want to know if Shaw is right or wrong, whether my subjective impressions overcome or create the illusion of audible differences. The subjectivists have done a very poor job of proving him, and his ilk, wrong after 30 years, but I’m not entirely convinced yet. I want one of you guys to go for it, or go for it elsewhere - level matched, properly controlled. Or maybe you have and I haven’t seen it. One thing that is important in my line of work - separating objective observations against your feelings. If you can maintain allegiance to the former in difficult times you can make a lot of money. I’m lucky enough to have been successful at that a few times (and less successful a few other times). Now I observe that despite nearly $20k of available inducement, you won’t try to back up your assertions. I really don’t mean this to be snarky, but shouldn’t I view that as revealing? |
@mrdecibel I'm with you...amplifier differences are audible. Holy Moly...20 amplifiers, why so many? Which ones are your favorites? |
ahofer, I appreciate your response. Listen, I am a simple guy, but very complex when it concerns audio gear, and more importantly, music listening. I know what I know, I hear what I hear, and, there are so many of us, as I am not a lone exception. Continue on your path of discovery, as I have been there for a very long time. Always, and Enjoy ! MrD. |
snapsc, I was an amplifier junkie ( I suppose I still am ), that is why. A few years ago I had quite a bit more, but sold off many, much more of them higher end. Here is a list of what I still have, not in any order. Hafler DH 200, DH 220, DH 500, (2)XL 280, Citation 12, Citation 12 with conversion of Pass Circuit, Citation 16A, Marantz model 15, Soundcraftsmen PCR 800, A 5002, A 400, Smart Theater Systems TA 242, Crown PS 400, Rotel RB 850, Adcom GFA 535 series 2, Yamaha P 2050, P 2075, P 2160, P 2200, (2)Nuforce STA 200, ADA PF 201, PF 2501 ( my current favorite ). I might have left out one or two, as some are still in closets. My favorite amp of all time ( that did it all for me ), was the Krell KSA 50. Enjoy ! MrD. |
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