Why do amps sound different?

Another interesting thread with great contributions by everyone.

Is someone able to explain the difference between "current paradigm" and "voltage paradigm" amplifiers?

Amfibius, take a look:

http://www.atma-sphere.com/papers/paradigm_paper2.html

'Current source' is a Voltage paradigm term for amplifiers that have a high enough output impedance such that they exhibit (or at least try to exhibit), constant power with respect to load. Usually this refers to a tube amplifier, but not universally.

"Voltage source' is again a Voltage paradigm term for an amplifier that can express a constant voltage regardless of load. Another way to put this is that power is doubled as the load impedance is halved (or halved as the load impedance doubles). Usually this refers to a transistor amplifier, but again, not universally- there are always exceptions because this is not about tube/solid state.

I never look to specs other than output power to make an amplifier purchase since specs are seldom an indicator how an amp will sound. Most quality amps are designed by ear, the mfgr applying different circuit topologies, trying different electronics parts & wiring in critical areas of the circuit to reach a desired sound before production begins. You end up with the designer's opinion of what sounds good.

Phd, one of the distinctions of the Power paradigm vs the Voltage paradigm is under the Voltage paradigm, the specs often have no meaning as you already know. Under the Power paradigm, the specs correlate with what you hear.

Atmasphere, you are correct, that distinction has been clearly made at the link you provided. Thankyou, I found it very interesting and informative!