Negative feedback Amp=more faithful reproduction?

That is a very informative article as are many of the replies, as usual.

Only thing of value I can think to add is yes, practically, it is how the whole system functions together that matters, not specific design paradigms applied to specific components. There are many ways to skin a cat. That phrase could never be more true than it is regarding the details of ways to deliver quality sound reproduction. Each will chose their preferred solution. VEndors will obviously also chose their approach and any vendor worth their salt will believe in their approach 110%. CEtain design approaches that are more unique or innovative, like no NF and one of my personal favorites, Walsh drivers, done well, help to make certain vendors stick out in the pack, which is important if you are in a business for the long haul.

When someone comes up with the undisputed mathematical equation for why I like what I like, please let me know! I am waiting patiently.....

So your amp sounds best to you when you dial in a little feedback big deal. It does not tell you that all amps should sound better that way. It is very hard to design an amp without feedback. My hutch tells me that if your amp were designed to sound its best without feedback and then give you the choice you would prefer no feedback. This goes back to the Manley amp that allowed you to listen to their mono blocks in single ended mode or push pull mode. I liked it better in push pull mode and then thought that single ended amps suck. Oh not true, you can't design a circuit to sound good doing both you need different transformers and parts. So you see my friend your conclusions on a simple rotary switch is not viable. You need to keep an open mind which at that time I did not and now do.

Mapman, the question here is if NFB makes reproduction MORE faithful. Some answered that there is no faithful reproduction, which doesn't answer this question, while others stated they prefer sound of ZNFB which doesn't answer this question either. The truth is, that there is no SS amp (and very few tube amps) with zero feedback. SS amp by nature is a voltage source, and as such needs some form of negative feedback, at least for the output stage. The question is how much and that might depend on the load, your preference etc. It is undisputed fact, that even small amount of NFB widens bandwidth, lowers output impedance and reduces THD/IMD distortions. Does it make reproduction more faithful on average? I think it might. What sound you like has nothing to do with original question.

I'm working on this equation, you asked for, but it can take some time.

Dracule1:

You did read this in the article, right?

"Only by testing, working with the devices and taking careful measurements will you find out what really happens. Relying on maths formulae (regurgitated ad nauseam) or 'common wisdom' is not always the best way to get to the truth."

So what did the author use to test his theories?

"For the majority of the tests described, the effects were simulated rather than measured. There are some very good reasons for this, with the primary reason being that the simulator has access to 'ideal' amplifiers. These have infinite bandwidth, infinite input impedance, zero distortion and zero output impedance. Being perfect, they also contribute zero noise."

I know of no amplifier that has infinite bandwidth, infinite input impedance, zero distortion, zero output impedance, and contributes zero noise. If anyone has one, let me know, I would like to purchase it.

Also, you did read his qualifications, right?

"PROPERLY IMPLEMENTED, negative feedback will invariably reduce distortion to levels that are well below audibility. Not just harmonic distortion, but the much more intrusive intermodulation distortion. IF DONE INCORRECTLY the results can be awful."

I agree with this statement. But therein lies the rub. And you do realize that in the 70's NFB was used to get distortion below audibility. But most agree that, as implemented, it sounded pretty bad.

"What sound you like has nothing to do with original question. "

It does in that there is no concrete objective answer to the question possible.

It is a subjective question not an objective one to start with, so an objective/quantitative answer cannot be had.

Therefore one must practically rely on what they hear and prefer as data points towards obtaining a meaningful answer. All else is just a particular spin on the truth, and I do not mean that in a derogatory sense, only stating the facts.

Kijanki, I can think of nobody I would rather have solve that equation! Take your time! I can survive in the interim. :^)