Gustardx26 pro vs RME ADI2FS

The transfomers referred to in that article are output transformers, not power transformers. They will affect the sound because they are coupling the output tubes to the speaker.

Linear power supplies are noisy too. They can sometimes cause hum or buzz in the output of the amp due to the power transformer. For the switch mode power supply, the frequencies are out of the audio band so you won’t be able to hear them.

Folks, I'm talking about the links @recluse posted.
They refer to output transformers.

Geez.

@jjss49

No, I know what I’m talking about. @recluse was trying to show that transformers make a difference in sound - except that the Gustard has transformers only in the power supply. Hence, they can’t really ’shape’ the sound as you say since they have nothing to do with the output stage. All the links he was posting discussed transformers in the output stage, *not* the power supply.

Yes, I know that transformers can be used in the output stage even in solid stage designs. I don’t think they belong there, though. But you know, different strokes, etc.


Do you guys actually read posts, or do you just randomly post stuff in response?

Hey all and especially @jjss49, I owe you an apology for acting like a jerk in my previous posts. I should’ve written my original reply to the OP more clearly. I can certainly see how I caused confusion given how it was worded.

@bruce and @jjss49
I can appreciate systems that strive for ultimate fidelity to the recording or that ’embellish’ the sound in an attempt to recreate a lost moment in time. I have two examples in my home - one based around the Benchmark AHB2 and the other driven by Bottlehead 2A3 Paramours that I assembled from a kit. I listen to and highly enjoy both.

I also agree that people can end up chasing their own tails sometimes when trying out different components in search of ’perfect’ sound. These days, I tend to look at and analyze measurements a lot more than I used to. I also like to try out sound tests such as those on Audiocheck.net to test my perception of different aspects that affect audio reproduction. I think it gives me a way to focus on what really matters so that the changes I make in the future are more deliberate instead of getting carried away by the flavor of the month. In other words, I don't want to get off the audiophile treadmill, but I do want to slow it down.