2. amps-preamps
  3. 167496-37252

Different amplifier class for different music genres?

I was reading a review of the Gryphon Antileon Evo in another forum and one user was saying that in the High bias mode the amplifier was excellent for classical music but not so good for metal or hard rock, perhaps softening the transients. For metal or hard rock he preferred the Low bias mode and he suggested that the Gryphon Diablo will be more suitable for this type of music (of course one is a final amp, the other an integrated one).

So the question is: does the class of the amplifier matter or better suit the type of music you are listening to? 

I have never owned a class A amplifier and I am itching to try some. I am currently using Hypex based diy monos driving Vienna Acoustics Mahler speakers.

greg_f

Showing 6 responses by greg_f

greg_f OP
108 posts
 
is the signal from a Metallica song,different from the signal from a classical song?

No of course not, the same signal passes from the source all the way to the speakers, but my thinking is that the emphasis may be different for classical music than Metallica. For example for metal is important to have fast transients, leading edges of electronic instruments to be well reproduced, as well as fast paced and deep bass, while for classical reproduction of the accuracy of the acoustic instruments and super low noise are one the important factors. What do you think?
greg_f OP
108 posts
 
@yeti42  Thanks, that is exactly what I want to avoid, a total mismatch of amp with the speaker for the type of music that I listen to. Perhaps a more appropriate question would be to ask for amp recommendations for my speakers, if anyone still uses them... 
greg_f OP
108 posts
 
@georgehifi, I generally agree but the reviewer was talking about the Gryphon Antileon which has a massive PSU and provides tons of current. Of course it could be that he was talking lots of rubbish...
greg_f OP
108 posts
 
@redwoodaudio, thank you. I did ask a genuine question, there are people in here who think they know it all and are frankly rude. Anyway, I agree with you about system synergy and a small change can alter the overall system sound. While I would like to upgrade my amps, I am concerned about getting something which does not fit with the rest of my system. Unfortunately where I live currently there is little to no chance of home auditioning. I will be buying second hand.

I think a new thread is needed to ask for amp recommendations for my speakers.
greg_f OP
108 posts
 
Thank you all. You learn every day. It has been a long time I was wondering if my amps have synergy with my speakers. I am not prepared to change my speakers at this point so I would like to try different amps.

@mijostyn. Thanks! It sounds like you know my speakers. Yes, they are well designed but could be difficult to drive, they are nominally 6 Ohm load but they do drop below 4 Ohms at some low frequencies. 
Now I need to decide if I want to 'just' change the power amps or go the integrated route.
greg_f OP
108 posts
 
@minorl
An amplifier is designed to amplify the input signal with expected 100% accuracy. It is designed to operate with a flat frequency response over the stated frequency range into a designed for load.

The key word here is ' expected '. I am not suggesting that an amplifier designer doesn't aim to design the perfect straight wire amplifier (some don't) but we all know the perfect amplifier is impossible to achieve. There are so many design decisions that need to be taken into account, choice of topology, cost, component quality used, etc Then there is the 'flair', experience and expertise of the design team. There are so many factors that can change the sound of an amplifier. Therefore an amplifier may have to be designed to perform perfectly in some areas but not so great in than others.


More to discover