I’ve been thinking a little bit about three different types of SS amplifier sounds. I’m not really sure what to call them, but I have a definite preference. Here is the spectrum in my mind:
Ayre <--> Parasound <--> Pass
On the one hand is Ayre and Arcam. Yeah, fight me, but there are big similarities to the sound. I also loved the Pono and what it did for my IEMs, using the Ayre designed output stage. I wish Fiio would license it too.
In the middle is Parasound Halo and ICEpower Class D modules (I’ve owned both) which to me are identical in sound quality. Clearly I’m happy with them for the price!
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Pass. A sound I really don’t like.
But regardless of which you like, what do you think the differences are?
What spectrum do you use to think about solid state amplifiers??
Yep. I'm listening to Class D right now. Of the brands mentioned, I'd only move to Ayre if I had the money. If I had to consolidate even further, I might go with an Arcam integrated. :)
@helomech - Maybe it helps that the speakers I was comparing with are super easy to drive, especially in the treble.
I've never heard Parasound amps sounding thin either. A touch on the warm side, and as much bass as the recording has.
My Class D amps are OEM modules stuffed into Chinese cases, nothing special. But I had a number of audiophiles over, including one who lives with a Pass stack. None felt the need to comment on the sound of the amps. :)
@helomech : I lived with Parasound Halo A23's (a pair fo them) for months. I built ICEPower ASP 250 based monoblocks. I could not tell them apart under any circumstances. Which is why I sold the Parasounds and kept the high efficiency monoblocks instead.
@roxy54 - That is my experience as well, even with many speakers, many rooms and many different Pass amps. Ayre IS very very smooth, and open.
They sound "weird." I don't have a better way to describe it. Also honestly a little thin and weak sounding. Which is a real shame because I wanted to like them. Aesthetically they are divine!
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