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Can an IC based amp be considered 'high end'?

I'm fairly new to this forum so apologies if this has been asked before (I've searched the threads and can't find this question being raised), so here goes...

Most, if not all amplifiers that are regarded as 'high end' are either valve or solid state designs. Is there any reason why an amplifier based on an integrated circuit (chip) shouldn't be considered high-end as well? 47 Labs produced the Gaincard back in 1999 and DIYers have taken the design forward over the intervening years, improving performance, power etc. but there aren't many commercial products based on ICs. In my experience a very well designed IC based amplifier can give any other type of design (with a similar power output) a run for its money, I'm just interested why there aren't many about and whether there is a general opinion that they aren't 'high end', whatever that means.

pragmasi
abraxalito
93 posts
 
Going back to the early 90's IC amps had a pretty bad rep for SQ. Then National brought out the LM3886 which contributed significantly to IC amps becoming 'respectable'. So I think given the correct implementation, IC based amps can be 'high end'. Just implemented according to the datasheet application schematic though, I would doubt it, as 'high-end' sound requires attention to many small details in the layout (amongst other things).
rwortman's avatar
rwortman
42 posts
 
The audiophile world has had the idea that discrete designs are better for a long time.  If it was ever true, it isn’t now.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The question is what is high end?

It can't be a certain level of performance. First because there is no one performance standard by which to make the cut. But also because even if we did have a solid agreed standard we'd still have to argue over where to draw the line. 

It can't be price. We all know really high end gear that is very affordable, including a lot that is better than much more expensive gear. 

But it can't be design, or technology, or parts or materials either. 

But especially, it can't be mass-marketed and based on a price point. Oh, it can be mass-marketed. And even to a price point. But only if somewhere in there it is apparent that sound quality is a driving factor. 
In other words, what atmasphere said: intent. 

It sounds silly but its true. Intending to make it high end is what makes it high end.
kgbspy
60 posts
 
there are technical limitations of audio output ics.
1.low wattage .... up to 40-50 watt
2. high THD ....10% 
10% THD is ok for low end consumer electronics like sound from FM stereo  or TV set, but not HIFI units
armstrod
619 posts
 
I own both Atma-sphere M60s and an Audiosector Patek, and right now I wouldn't give up either because they're the best sounding tube and SS amps I've heard. That said, they sound totally different, but both are clearly "high end". Two completely different approaches to design something that sounds great.

Both Ralph's and Peter's intent was spot on.
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