High End Amp Price Collapse musings

Good thread.

I have twin Luxman M 05s in my system (Class A) and although 30 years old the sound is superb.  Far better than the Bryston 14b SST they replaced, despite the age difference.  I think, however, after hearing a few Class D amps they have a long way to go.  They DO however, make excellent sub amps, which is why you get subs now with the high power for long excursion (the first being the Sunfire True Subwoofer, IIRC correctly).  But subs don't need treble sweetness or soundstaging or imaging as a amp for mains would need.  Moreover, they are not nearly as pure in the treble and midrange liquidity as a good Class A amp can provide.  In fact, I doubt seriously that the Class D amp will compete in this regard, although I do see a time when Class D could compete with Class A/B amps.  I think Class A (either solid stage or tube) is just a step above and those whom have heard them (like me) are willing to pay the premium for the sound.  I cannot see myself ever going back from Class A and sure hope that there are offerings around when I do need it.  The Accuphase A 200 mono Class A amps are my dream go-to amps, now if only I could find a way to afford them.

Speaking of pricing......

jimman2

You did not read my post.  My Bryston 14b SST was bought new in 2009 and had the lowest noise floor of any amp I have heard, and measured.  My noise floor on the Luxmans I have is negligible (think modern low) and distortion nonexistent.  AGE DOES NOT MEAN A THING.  Circuit topology and implementation are everything (including parts quality).  Moreover, your $3000 NAD, new is about what the going price for one of my 30+ year old amps is about these days, condition considered.  Moreover, although you might be impressed, it is your perception that gives your opinion.  I have heard current amps at $10k that do not touch the amps I have, and even better, since age is considered, I get what I want at bargain, really, since the sound is so good.  IF you think your NAD is that good; and I give this:  Class D in the bass is penultimate (again, the reason it is the best amp for subs), go out and directly compare it to a Luxman M 800, or Accuphase A 200.  No dice.  Like a lot of things in audio, once one has made the A/B test the results often present themselves.  I never thought I would of gotten rid of a near new Bryston 14b SST on the thought it was good, but in the listening, the proof was there, and I was sold.  

And in terms of amplification being science, we have proven the "Julian Hirsch Ideology" moot.  If music and sound were purely scientific there would be no art.