2. amps-preamps
  3. 170180-106113

what's going on with specs?

I'm having a hard time buying a power amp. I'm in the 5-10k range and whae I'm finding are things like PS Audio BHK 250. Specs show 250@8ohms and 500@4ohms. Then the Parasound JC5 shows 400@8ohms and 600@4ohms. Looks like PS Audio doubles at 4 ohms which makes me think it's a stronger amp until I notice the PS Audio spec is at 1 kilohertz and the Parasound measures 20 to 20 kilohertz. That is very confusing and I don't understand why PS Audio doesn't give full power measurements. Anyone with knowledge of these two brands or others. I have the Elac Vela 409s to drive. 
dconfalone
Post removed 
ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 
djones51:

You can take two identical amplifiers that measure the same, alter the power supply in one to change the dynamic impedance and the amps will still measure the same THD, IM & typical datasheet specs, but differ sonically.

A group of listeners may prefer one amp in one system and the other in another depending on whether the amps ameliorate or exacerbate interaction flaws.

Specs tell you nothing other than the grossest approximations.

Tests are static. Music is dynamic.
mglik
914 posts
 
The no brainer answer to a amp is AGD Audion.
Search the Forum threads for AGD. You will find that every owner says about the same thing: the best amps regardless of price.
The Audions are $7.5K but IME I have never heard any amp in 50 years at this. They have the musicality of a great SET and the detail of a great SS. I won’t go on and on but I clearly decided to buy mine after reading all the user posts on the Forum. The comments are not the usual raves.
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
Call PS Audio and ask. That’s a great question. If you get a response please post. 
More to discover