I think we look or want to have the most we can get from the amps we invest into. My amps must be balanced, have very nice and "true" tones, they must be fast, powerful, recreate the soundstage and image, and they must have timing, attack and big dynamics to make the music lively. But, as always, any amp will also be allowed to perform its best in accordance to associated gear on each end.
Ayre <--> Parasound <--> Pass : where are you?
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??
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??