Do you understand your amplifier?

They only thing I really need to know about an amp, or pretty much any other product is what the final sound will be like in my system and room.

What I have learned first hand is that it's the implementation of the design rather than the technology. Tubes aren't inherently better than SS; all class A aren't better than A/B, D, ICE, etc. I've heard excellent examples of pretty much every configuration, and I've heard poor examples. It drives me crazy when people say things like 'tube sound,' 'analog sound,' etc. If it has a distinctive type of sound in this regard, it's probably been designed to have a sound that ventures too far from neutral IMO.

Beyond that stuff, I don't understand anything, really. I just want as little coloration in my sources, amplification, and cables as possible. Since the speakers have the most distortion and are bound most by the room, let them be the tone control.

There should be something like a high end audio expert software program where you type in your room dimensions, the gear you have or propose having, the sound qualities you value etc. The software program would generate recommendations on what sources, electronics, cables, speakers etc. you should pair together based on your goals for sound.

I doubt that there would be any more consistency between the recommendations provided by computer programs developed by different people or organizations than there is between the recommendations offered by individual audiophiles.

Best regards,
-- Al

I have owned and have tried many different amplifiers and I have studied the different types circuitry and have come to the conclusion that simpler designs with high quality parts sounds the best. I like the sound of straight forward Class A and or high biased Class AB solidstate or tube with a solid transformer and great powersupply. The speed and timming the effortless sound. You do not need a trillion watts, you just need good power. I have re-built and modified several amps and have taken good straight forward good designs and put first class parts and have had amazing results. Anymore I do not care study this or build amps I just want to listen to good music and not worry what the electronics are doing because now I can afford any amp I want and I no longer need to modify the lesser expensive amps to get good sound.

In General, my answer is yes to solid state. I've built a couple kits, and have modified 2. I understand the diffence between Class A A/B D, different output transistors, power transformers supply caps, yada yada.
I can read the basics of a schematic but I cannot sit down and draw out anything detailed in a circuit design or completely understand detailed schematics. So, in detail my answer is no.
In tubes, I have rolled a few tubes. Call me Schultz there
I Know Nothing!

I doubt that there would be any more consistency between the recommendations provided by computer programs developed by different people or organizations than there is between the recommendations offered by individual audiophiles.
08-11-11: Almarg

Al, that may be true, but the database could be set up to provide great information:
- speaker phase angles, easy, moderate difficult loads and the amps to pair with various speakers

- amp/ speaker pairings known for matching well and sounding well together

- avoidance of impedance mismatches- preamps-amps, sources- preamps

-completely synergistic audio systems that list all components

-warnings about improper amp- speaker matches or problematic matches of electronics speakers and sources

This could give audiophiles a head start on possible mistakes, especially for the inexperienced. The consistency could be in helping people avoid mistakes in their pairings when making gear choices. Many costly mistakes might be avoided. Most of this stuff ain't cheap!