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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
 
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?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,399 posts
 
If you ge sucked into the music and it sounds bettef the longer you listen, you have a GOOD amp. Be happy. NF design is just one aspect. Alone, it means relatively little. No nfb designs in general might be better overall and there may be fewer nfb designs that sound "irritating", and ghere are certainly many mediocre products that use, nfb, but there are also many i have heard where fatigue whatever the cause is not an issue. No abolute good, bad, rights, wrongs here as is usually the case. If nf scares you do not buy products that use it. But if you have good ears you trust i would not let anybody scare yiu away from what sounds good based on limited theoretical arguments.
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 
Mt, please start making sense. Start your own thread to vent whatever frustrations you have. You're just trolling here. You'll get no more response from me.
dracule1 OP
1,085 posts
 
Mapman, I understand those who say just enjoy your gear, there is no best. I'm not looking for the best. And I am not looking for validation, nor am i unhappywith my gear. Some on this thread mistakenly make these assumptions about the intent of my thread. But that is not the point of this thread. I perceive NFB to be more realistic than ZNFB more often than not and I'm looking for a techical explanation. Perhaps I posted this in the wrong forum. Many have posted without reading the link which I think is pretty comprihensive on the subject. Tech Talk may be the more appropriate forum.
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edwyun
244 posts
 
"NF design is just one aspect. Alone, it means relatively little."

And I would go so far as to say design elements other than NFB (or ZNFB) have a greater effect on how an amp sounds.

Take it all in perspective. Enjoy and happy listening!
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