Are there any sonic traits associated with amplifier topology? What are your experiences and preferences?
What did you hear?insider9 said:I've heard valves and it's not something I'd like for a main system, second system perhaps like Infiniteloop has.
I have not heard a well implemented amp in any class that sounded slow.insider9 said:Have you any thoughts on dynamics, speed?
EAR integrated at home, can't quite remember which one it was. Plus quite a few different ones at short listening sessions. Also sources with valve buffer.CnoEvil said:What did you hear?insider9 said:I've heard valves and it's not something I'd like for a main system, second system perhaps like Infiniteloop has.
There is a big variety of sound signatures, just like SS....from say Jadis at one end, to VTL at the other. You would be staggered how well your system would sound, with some big Icon Audio Monoblocs bossing your speakers.
CnoEvil said:I have not heard a well implemented amp in any class that sounded slow.insider9 said:Have you any thoughts on dynamics, speed?
What I can tell you, is that the Transient Response of my AMS 35i is one of the best I have heard. I (maybe wrongly), put that down to the huge Power Supply, where the Output Transistors are always on and ready to "fire" instantly. My amp also has a fairly high damping factor, which keeps control over the Bass Woofer.
Thx.insider9 said:EAR integrated at home, can't quite remember which one it was. Plus quite a few different ones at short listening sessions. Also sources with valve buffer.CnoEvil said:What did you hear?insider9 said:I've heard valves and it's not something I'd like for a main system, second system perhaps like Infiniteloop has.
There is a big variety of sound signatures, just like SS....from say Jadis at one end, to VTL at the other. You would be staggered how well your system would sound, with some big Icon Audio Monoblocs bossing your speakers.
See, the reason I use ribbon tweeters is their higher (than domes) 3rd harmonic distortion. This makes horns, cymbals and a number of instruments sound more natural to me. They may measure not as good but sound like actual instruments which I've spent a lot of my youth around. Valves have stronger even harmonics which makes everything sound nicer but it isn't natural sounding to me. They make a nice illusion but that's not something that appeals to me for everyday listening. Also I've not once heard any valves that did bass properly. And if I'm honest I'd rather go Class D with good bass than valves with wooly bass but great mids.
For me good class AB is where I'm happiest at. Preferably highly biased and preferably with no feedback. All based on my experiences. That's why I'm trying to understand what others noticed and like about other topologies.
I can appreciate different ways of doing things but have my likes and dislikes. It doesn't make it better or worse, just personal.
insider9 said:Have you any thoughts on dynamics, speed?
CnoEvil said:Thx.
I think VTL might shatter your reasonably held view that Valves don't control Bass. I heard them in a system with DCS Scarlatti at one end and Focal Utopia Mystro at the other. This was a system worth about 110k....and I can tell you, Bass was not a problem.
andyjm said:insider9 said:Have you any thoughts on dynamics, speed?
Eh? All of my amplifiers, no matter the class, are completely stationary.
nopiano said:Hello, insider!
I think there are more stereotypes than certainties. You know, valves are smooth and warm, class B is scratchy, class D thin, etc.
The vast majority will be used to class A/B in domestic Hi-Fi, and class D in their cars or mini systems, though there are notable exceptions.
I think Cno had a thread like this a few years ago. Maybe it was amps in order of smooth to bright, or a similar scale.
The best sounds I’ve ever heard have been from every type. The very current d’Agostino Progression monster amps, with multiple devices and not the lowest measured distortion nor best damping factor. The earlier Devialet, which I think is a type of class A and D hybrid, but beyond easy labelling. And then various Audio Research valves, Krell solid state and Mark Levinson pairings that have never been less than superb. I’ve never cared for many Linn or Naim amps generally, though there have been a couple of occasions where each has been terrific.
My Primare was a massive hit when launched about six years ago, winning multiple awards, and being liked for neutrality and transparency. I think of it like a budget Devialet in that sense. No added euphony! My previous Krell integrated was perhaps a bit more characterful, but it paired brilliantly with the Sonus faber speakers I chose at the same time.
Can you try some tube/valve gear next!?
insider9 said:EAR integrated at home, can't quite remember which one it was. Plus quite a few different ones at short listening sessions. Also sources with valve buffer.CnoEvil said:What did you hear?insider9 said:I've heard valves and it's not something I'd like for a main system, second system perhaps like Infiniteloop has.
There is a big variety of sound signatures, just like SS....from say Jadis at one end, to VTL at the other. You would be staggered how well your system would sound, with some big Icon Audio Monoblocs bossing your speakers.
See, the reason I use ribbon tweeters is their higher (than domes) 3rd harmonic distortion. This makes horns, cymbals and a number of instruments sound more natural to me. They may measure not as good but sound like actual instruments which I've spent a lot of my youth around. Valves have stronger even harmonics which makes everything sound nicer but it isn't natural sounding to me. They make a nice illusion but that's not something that appeals to me for everyday listening. Also I've not once heard any valves that did bass properly. And if I'm honest I'd rather go Class D with good bass than valves with wooly bass but great mids.
For me good class AB is where I'm happiest at. Preferably highly biased and preferably with no feedback. All based on my experiences. That's why I'm trying to understand what others noticed and like about other topologies.
I can appreciate different ways of doing things but have my likes and dislikes. It doesn't make it better or worse, just personal.