Does one NEED multiple amps?

Seems like a split or close to it so far... would be interesting to get a number of responses.

Mechans, definitely agree with you re the philophical point of need. Of course, I was referring to whether one amp can do it all, or does one need (as Cain stated) more than one amp to cover the spectrum of music/mood/performance.

My position is with the single camp. Very happy with my Manley Stingray, which to me does it all. Is it the best? of course not, but within the confines of my home, system, budget, taste, it is all I could NEED (in that broader, audiophile sense) right now.

Personally, I cannot really conceive having two amps in one system. Two systems in two rooms, that's a different animal and not my topic. For a short while, while I was auditioning amps, I had two at the same time (I mean they came into audition about the same time, it wasn't one incoming/one outgoing type of thing). I was not too thrilled with switching cables and all and couldn't see doing that frequently or even occasionally. Seems if I spent the money for two amps with different strengths I could pool that money and get one amp that might combine all strengths using that combined budget. And actually I did end up doing that, come to think about it.

I have to admit also that my question was more hypothetical. That is, one may have different amps just for the fun of it, because one can afford to, because one's S.O. tolerates it, etc. But in the end, is there a true NEED?
This could be fun to post in the Critic's Asylum but not sure they would agree it belongs there. Most of those guys DO have multiple amps I believe.

I don't have multiple amps (yet) but I can see why the theory makes sense.

Need...probably not...fun to have multiple, sure

True Audiophiles would NEED and own more than one amp..this is why they are Audiophiles. Music lovers would own the right amp and NEED none in fact. Truth is it is hard to stop being an Audiophile when one visits Agon everyday or so. Agon is about equipment, not the music. But there is nothing wrong with being in love with audio gear...as long as one knows why one is in this hobby for: gear or music.

I think it is fair to compare this to folks who truly love cars. They usually own a few: a sport coupe, a sedan, a convertible, a vintage but they seldom take their passion to the race track.....if audio gear were as expensive to own as cars, there would be fewer Audiophiles and more music lovers.

From someone currently in rehab'.

One amp for each rig and one backup- that's one right?