Power Amplifier - Maximum Resolution & Detail!


I am assuming some of you have experienced the following.... All else being the same in the chain, you replaced a power amplifier and started hearing more resolution and detail, perhaps a lil more in a track that you have heard a thousand times.

Ime, the higher you go up in price doesn't necessarily guarantee that you could experience the above mentioned. It seems to come down to the nitty gritty of the circuits under consideration, i.e., the black art of power delivery and analog circuit design.

What is a power amp you may have experimented with that provided the maximum detail and resolution at any price? (Not just perceived changes in tonal balance, etc).

I am hoping to shortlist a power amp based on some suggestions here for a future purchase.

 

P.S. If you are an ASR type of guy who thinks all power amps sound the same, this may not the right thread for you, I suppose...

deep_333

You'll laugh, but here it goes: I recently picked up a pair of Fosi V3 Monos and after adding the Sparkos opamp, I heard some subtle things on some my test tracks that I'd not heard before.  Or maybe hadn't noticed before. 

Some amps I've had or still have:  VTL monos, Cary 805s, Aleph 3, Aleph 2, AES SixPacs, Inspire triode, James Burges 2A3/45 and many more.

IMO, some of the newer, inexpensive gear are killin' it.

You did not mention $$ budget , there are many great amplifiers if money is no object ,being into Audio for decades ,owning a Audiostore for a decade and semi retired now travel to many audio get togethers and have heard most equipment that’s brought into the U.S and many shoot outs between components of all types. Having owned 6 figure audio systems in the past, Now I seek out the best sounding products for the least amount of monies ,that is much harder to achieve and have found a bunch of equipment for all types of taste .System, synergies is the most important part in building a solid audio system . You are only as strong as your weakest link in the chain. Many people over look more things then they think is Relevant

i don’t have a budget...well, actually, the limit may be around 30k or under this year, but, it can be anything next year. But, won’t be paying audio jewelry fluff price for stuff that doesn’t meet the requirement. I"ve heard some in the upper price tier that isn’t more detailed than at least one of my current amps. In other words, It can be ugly as sin, but, if it meets the detail requirement, I’ll take it.

I just wanna keep it simple. All else in the chain including the linestage being the same, what is a power amplifier change only that boosted perceived detail...I understand that there’s synergy and can tweak my way all day long into moving the needle back/forth for my personal taste.

I have heard/had some amps, but, just don’t have the ability to know what all’s out there or who came up with some new circuit, etc.

I tend to think of detail presentation as being more in the domain of the preamp.  But yes I'm sure the amp also has a lot to say about it.

The two amps that I recall having the most detail were a Levinson ML-23 and a Counterpoint hybrid amp (can't remember the model number).  

I'd still be using the Levinson if it hadn't cooked itself to death and wanted $3000 for refurb (I'll save that for my 6oth birthday).  The Counterpoint had a lovely sound but I traded it in for something I was craving at the time. 

Sometimes I think added detail gets fatiguing if it's really over-emphasis of treble.  It takes me long term listening to know what I really enjoy. 

Immathewj, I feel they are heavy!  I have the 805B with an upgraded auto-bias option which I’ve not been able to find any info about anywhere.  

To the best of my recollection, as I’ve not had them in my system for a while, they offer a very robust and full sound.  Smooth without any higher frequency etchiness or glare, soundstages well and is the kind of amp that draws you in for relaxed, extended listening.  Some will argue that their 50 watts isn’t enough for many speakers but in my experience they drove everything I threw at them, to include the Maggie 1,7i’s in both of my small listening rooms (12x16 and 13x14).

The only drawbacks to me are that they are a bit cumbersome and heavy and will generate enough heat to warm my room a bit.  Other than those two things, and the cost of replacement tubes, I think they are fantastic amps.