Ultra high resolution

Joey- Don't worry, It really doesn't. Actually: Some mil-spec suppliers(Vishay, Caddock, etc) are used extensively in the best audio gear for their low noise resistors (http://www.ecircuitcenter.com/Circuits/Noise/Noise_Analysis/res_noise.htm), BUT: the key to resolution without glare is passives in the signal path that are designed for audio circuitry(IE: caps by MIT, RELcap, RTI, V-cap, Jensen)(http://www.reliablecapacitors.com/pickcap.htm), and well designed power supplies. The less that's in the circuit/signal path(input to output), the better. And YES- point to point wiring(which is rare in SS designs)instead of PCB traces. The better companies have improved upon PCBs to great degree, and again that takes research, time and money. (http://www.ultracad.com/articles/pcbtemp.pdf) There are many other factors involved, and they all add up to a more transparent amp, but(of course)- those don't exist(AY?).

Thank you for clarification Rodman. So when the passive parts in the signal path are essential for getting the highest level of resolution, why do even the big boys in the business, like Krell and Mark Levinson are including cheap parts in the signal path? They know this will compromise the final sound significantly. Otoh some manufacturers say: Nah, it's not the quality of the passive parts that counts but the circuit design and the appropriate implementation of the parts. What is your opinion?

Chris

To get resolution without glare getting rid of global negative feedback is going to be a good first step. But- to do that and insure low distortion, the amp will have to be class A as well. A simple signal path helps; without feedback you don't need as much gain.

Passive components have to be chosen carefully, not for synergy within the circuit, but neutrality overall. Hookup wiring and layout is also critical as well as the power supplies already mentioned.

IOW there is no cheap answer and no one panacea. You just have to do everything right with an eye not to bench specs which have little or no meaning, but to the rules of human hearing. Tubes, being more linear devices (triodes in particular) are a bit better at obeying those rules. That is not to say that it can't be done in the solid state realm, but it is a lot harder. I can count the solid state amps that seem to be built with this sort of philosophy on one hand and have fingers left over...

Chris,

In my opinion there are numerous factors that influence the sonic signature of an amplifier. All of the factors you mentioned as well as other factors will effectively alter the sound of an amplifier. The power supply, the amount of negative feedback used and where it is applied, the passive components (resistors, capacitors, chokes), the active components (transistors, tubes) and the circuit design all play a part in how the amplifier will sound. FYI - just because a component is the more expensive than a lesser priced component does not automatically mean it will sound better than the lower priced component. In the best amplifier designs, a designer will spend hours trying different components (resistors, caps, transistors or tubes)and listening to them as well as measuring specifications of these components in order to get a result that both sounds pleasing and measures within specifications. What two amplifier brands/models are your referring to that you like.

Brad

I bed that Chris is talking about FM acoustics, those amplifiers has indeed the highest resolution possible, with a lovely sweet livelike musical treble