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Smooth and silky top end

Hi folks, I'm not a techie but does anyone know how you can get an extended but silky top end out of an solid state power amplifier? Design plays a of course a pivotal role: Could one achieve this silky top end by using negative feedback, mode of amplification (class A, class D)? Or is it a matter of execution: parts selection and matching, use of solely discrete parts (no OPamps), use of tubes (hybrid solid state/tube design)? I know you can achieve this goal by treble cut off or by softening of the treble using filters, cables or tweaks that soften treble response, but that is not what I mean. Btw, a known solid state reference for a silky and extended treble are the FM Acoustics power amplifiers (especially the 800A, a 40-year old design!).
This issue leads to the next question: Is a silky and smooth top end a characteristic of good amplification or is it in fact a form of coloration (softening of the treble by non linearities in the electronics). Amp designers are welcome to comment on these topics.

Chris
dazzdax
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Hi Wwshull, imho (and with all respect) the poweramp has greater signature on the final sound than the preamp. To exert total control on the bass and to deliver dynamics is not an easy task. And besides of being a "brute force" the poweramp should also be able to perform the most subtile nuances in sound and this silkiness in the top end. I think a good preamp is essentially "invisible", a component that you shouldn't hear that it is in the system. Without a good preamp the sound becomes somewhat small scaled and threadbare though.

Chris
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 
In TAS # 174 (the digital issue) Tom Martin has an interesting article where he compares 5 well regarded CD/SACD players and hypothesizes that the differences between them are due to how they handle top end transients. I can't summarise the article but you may find it interesting.
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
Wondering how Class D stacks p aginst AB or A amps.I lke "sizzle" so like Bryston sound.Wondering how Bel Canto or other D amps compare in treble.
Chazz
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