Low Level Listening and Distortion
Would some amps sound better at lower levels due to distortion being produced at a lower sound level than another? In other words, a "clean" sounding amp (think stereotypical class D) sounds better to me at higher volumes while another amp sounds much louder than the class D at higher levels but great at lower levels, which I assume is our ears translating distortion into "louder" in our heads. Is it the job of a preamp to be sure the amp sounds the same at all levels or is this just impossible to make the sound that linear? I have one of the newest GaNFET amps from a well-respected designer/manufacturer playing at the moment and it sounds boring at low levels but good at higher levels. Not surprisingly it also sounds quieter at the same matched volume levels (using white noise) than the tube amps I also have. I hope I explained my question so it can be understood. Thanks.
'Stereotypical class D'?? IME class D amps vary more in sound from one to another than all tube amps. It sounds like you are talking about that 'first watt', which has to be musical for the amplifier to have a satisfying portrayal. |
Thanks for the response @atmasphere. They may vary in sound but their reputation is a fairly sterile, clean sound as opposed to a tube amp which has a reputation for distortion, no? Ralph, you were who I was thinking of when I started this thread. I believe in the past you said you like to be able to listen to music at louder volumes and it not sound too loud. If I'm mistaken, please let me know. Is it possible an amp that distorts at lower levels would be preferred to one that distorts at higher volume levels for someone that listens at 60 or 65 dB mostly? And, inversely, someone who listens at louder levels would dislike the same amp because once it's turned up it sounds "too loud"? Maybe I'm completely off base as my electrical and amplifier design knowledge is pretty close to zero. |
@bigtwin I enjoy music at low levels. It's part of my weekend routine. Wake up early, go downstairs, throw on something I really want to hear and listen for a couple hours watching football/soccer on TV. I don't want to disturb anyone in the house so I have to keep it low. My Harbeth's are great at low level listening. My Devores seem to be more amp sensitive when it comes to under 70dB...hence part of the reason for my asking this question. It makes sense to me logically that certain amps will sound thinner at low volumes, which is why loudness buttons used to exist (and still sort of do) but I've never heard an expert like Ralph's opinion on the subject of more pleasing distortion at low levels. Could an amp be made that specializes in sound up to 70 dB? I really have no idea. |
