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Amplifier specs, does they matter?

For solid state designs, the manufacturers boast about their signal to noise ratios, total harmonic distortions, slew rates, frequency responses, and many others. Meanwhile, the makers of the tube amps praise the liquidity and musicality of their designs. Obviously, amplifiers with tubes don't measure nearly as well as solid state amps. So, do any of these specifications really matter?
psag

Showing 2 responses by clio09

clio09
3,370 posts
 
At least one company claims that their really-fast negative feedback loops eliminate the problems traditionally associated with negative feedback.

Just when you thought you've heard everything...
clio09
3,370 posts
 
I also endorse the use of weight when comparing otherwise similar amps because of what it tells you about output xformers and power supply.

Seriously, what could the weight tell you about the engineering and design that went into these components of the circuit. Granted, my business partner winds transformers and the outputs tend to be fairly hefty, and depending on the amount of power the amp is spec'ed at so might the power transformer. On the other hand I can carry my Music Reference RM-10 under my arm like a text book, yet it is quite a ballsy little amp. It has held it's own against any amp I've had and I'll further state it has embarrassed a few as well, regardless of weight.
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