2. amps-preamps
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Negative feedback Amp=more faithful reproduction?

Negative feedback (NFB) vs zero negative feedback (ZNFB). There seems to be unsubstantiated contention that ZNFB amps sound more realistic. I know this is an age old debate favoring the ZNFB design, but I think most audiophiles have never bothered to look into this matter and believe the advertisements and proponents of zero NFB design. I have been in that camp until recently. My own experience and research into articles on this matter leads to me believe NFB is needed for faithful reproduction of music. I'm not saying NFB design is more "musical", which is a highly subjective term and usually means more euphonic or colored. I've posted a similar question awhile back, but I was hoping we can have a more evidence based discussion on this matter. Perhaps, we need clarification of descriptive terms we use to describe sound. My contention is, in general, NFB designs produces a more accurate or faithful reproduction of music than ZNFB designs. Here is a very good article on feedback and distortion:

http://sound.westhost.com/articles/distortion+fb.htm
dracule1
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
You're having some difficulty 'getting it'. It's not a 'type of sound'. I have a ten watt push/pull tube amp feeding 95db fostex single driver speakers. I've owned many different combinations over my life (60 this year). It took me until about two years ago to realize how much more enjoyable (FOR ME) my 3500 LPs sounded. I have been listening for more than four decades to this music previously. I don't expect you to understand what I hear. Here's the part you fail to comprehend. Who cares? It's about personal enjoyment. Real life...it's all perception...visual, auditory or tactile. Your search has no definitive end.
phaelon
1,052 posts
 
I’m pretty sure that I recall some speaker manufactures recommending ZNFB amplifiers for their speakers. I always took it for granted that there was a scientifically based rationale for this. Could these be instances where NFB vs. ZNFB isn’t a totally subjective decision, or are the speaker designers simply expressing their personal preference?
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 
Mt, I'm sure your system sound awesome to you, but I've had my fill of single driver fostex speakers with low power tube amps which have significant drawbacks IMO. But you're getting off topic, and I do not see a reason to resort to personal attacks. Somehow you think you know more than I do and assume I am missing something important. Can you please stay on topic?
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 
Phaelon, you may be thinking of Rethem speakers which have powered subwoofer drivers with a wide bander taking care of the rest of the freq. they are coming out with low power ZNFB amp for their speakers. I think with powered subwoofers the low freq limitation of most ZNFB amps is negated while preserving the upper range qualities some people seek.
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
I don't assume anything. You're the one arguing with everyone who states
personal preference is important to them. The topic is, and has been, is
that your viewpoint is right (in an absolute manner, backed by some written
babble which you ascribe to as being definitive). It's not a personal attack, I
don't know you, nor do I care to. This is just more of the same drivel which
shows up too often. Your 'having your fill of single driver fostex speakers' is
irrelevant. Again, who cares?
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