Re: How much do HiFi amps really differ?
- From: "Glenn Gundlach" <stratus46@xxxxxxxxx>
- Date: 24 Nov 2006 21:03:51 -0800
CC wrote:
Greetings:http://audioholics.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/integrated-amplifiers/Arcam/PRD_125582_2717crx.aspx
Reading some amplifier reviews here:
<snip>
"The NAD is warm but not nearly as open."
What do engineers with experience in audio amps think of this stuff?Is
there much difference in the sound of a $250 vs. $2500 amp with thesame
"numbers?"
Most (not all) of the folks buying this stuff can't hear the
difference. Many years ago I worked in a stereo shop in a college town
- there's a self important group. My favorite demo was to switch
between the cheapest 20 watt amp and the most expensive 500 watt
system. As long as the cheapy wasn't clipping and the levels matched,
nearly nobody could tell. I don't dispute that there are definite
differences between amps. It's just that the 'numbers' don't often
reflect this. My opinion is that the measurements aren't nearly good
enough. BTW my favorite amp was a Marantz model 15 from way back when.
I suppose there might be, if there are differences in numbers notfloor
specified. I recall a long time ago when I bought my Kyocera A-710
integrated amp, a 100W/ch 45 lbs. whopper with 60A peak current
capability (that really impressed me) that it simply mopped the
with a Denon component in the shop of similar power level. Sonaturally
I walked out with the Kyocera. Of course it listed for $1000 vs.the
$600 Denon, and I only bought it because it was a display for $600.The
difference in sound quality seemed apparent when listening, andbefore I
was even told anything about it's parameters. Perhaps just thethe
salesman's "you will find this model over here to be far superior to
Denon" suggestion conditioned me to perceive things differently? Idunno.
it's
Unfortunately, it now has problems and I'd like to replace it with
something smaller, but with respectable quality and capacity for my
impoverished apartment lifestyle. I've narrowed down to:
NAD C325BEE 50W/ch $399 (would really be right for the wallet if
decent enough)
NAD C352 80W/ch $599
Rotel RA-1062 60W/ch $699 (folks just gleem over this one)
Arcam A65+ 40W/ch $699 (I just discovered this today)
Nothing is nearly half as heavily built as my Kyocera. It's really
crazy reading folks' reviews, with all the "color, warmth, openness,
etc." Are these guys tripping or what?
If you read enough of the reviews, you'll find folks parroting what
they've read without having a clue. It's OK as long as they're happy -
and even if they aren't.
My general rule is - bring along what YOU think is the best recording
you've heard and ask them to play what THEY think is the best. Find
something in your price range you like and never mind the numbers.
There is ALWAYS something 'better'.
Personally, I love the bottom octave from 16-32Hz and I hate tweeters
that have an identifiable pitch when playing pink noise (it whistles).
If I can't convince myself it's at least a little 'real', turn it off
and read a book.
Good day!
Same to you
GG
.
- Follow-Ups:
- References:
- How much do HiFi amps really differ?
- From: CC
- How much do HiFi amps really differ?
- Prev by Date: Re: It looks like Jim Thompson finally made it into Dilbert!
- Next by Date: Re: Need help with circuit to indicate last momentary switch pushed
- Previous by thread: Re: How much do HiFi amps really differ?
- Next by thread: Re: How much do HiFi amps really differ?
- Index(es):
Relevant Pages
|
