Let me end the Premp/Amplifier sound debate ...


I'm old enough to remember Julian Hersch from Audio magazine and his very unscientific view that all amplifiers sounded the same once they met a certain threshold.  Now the site Audio Science Review pushes the same.

I call these views unscientific as some one with a little bit of an engineering background as well as data science and epidemiology.  I find both of these approaches limited, both in technology used and applied and by stretching the claims for measurements beyond their intention, design and proof of meaning.

Without getting too much into that, I have a very pragmatic point of view.  Listen to the following three amplifier brands:

  • Pass Labs
  • Luxman
  • Ayre

If you can't hear a difference, buy the cheapest amplifier you can.  You'll be just as happy.  However, if you can, you need to evaluate the value of the pleasure of the gear next to your pocket book and buy accordingly.  I don't think the claim that some gear is pure audio jewelry, like a fancy watch which doesn't tell better time but looks pretty.  I get that, and I've heard that.  However, rather than try to use a method from Socrates to debate an issue to the exact wrong conclusion, listen for yourself.

If you wonder if capacitors sound different, build a two way and experiment for yourself.  Doing this leaves you with a very very different perspective than those who haven't. You'll also, in both cases, learn about yourself.  Are you someone who can't hear a difference?  Are you some one who can? What if you are some one who can hear a difference and doesn't care?  That's fine.  Be true to yourself, but I find very little on earth less worthwhile than having arguments about measurements vs. sound quality and value. 

To your own self and your own ears be true.  And if that leads you to a crystal radio and piezo ear piece so be it.  In my own system, and with my own speakers I've reached these conclusions for myself and I have very little concern for those who want to argue against my experiences and choices. 

 

erik_squires

BTW, my videos were all made using a Nikon D750 SLR.

😴😴😴😴😴😴😴

I am always jealous of those that cannot hear differences in amps cd players,preamps cabling, fuses turn tables stands etc you name it. Over the years It has cost me lots of dollars because I can. If I was fortunate enough not to be able to hear any differences I could own at least another rental home if not two more. Depending on the time value of money and the rental income that it produces. Like I say it makes me jealous how much cheaper that some people are able to live than I am. 

 

Regards

Audiophile meaning : Wikipedia : Is a person who is enthusiastic about high fidelity sound reproduction. Seeks to reproduce the sound of a live musical performance. There are other definitions if you google it. My addition to this meaning, is that this person is willing to spend much money on the gear, and likes the gear, as much, and sometimes more, than the music itself. Enjoy !

Congratulations 

I went through this three years ago when I relocated 

I’m released from expensive cable  amps pre amp etc etc etc

I’m free and enjoying MUSIC! 

I just re equipped a listening room for a mere fraction of one of my past

 and just thrilled!

 

 

If wire has audible differences in direction as demonstrated here, logically all electronics including preamps and amps will sound different.

https://youtu.be/-P6TrQTuqMo