High-end amplifier clarification?

At what point do you consider an amplifier high-end? And, why? What is a good example of a non-high end amp that just misses being high-end? Also, what is an example of an amplifier that just makes it into your high-end rankings?

ska_man02-25-2011 4:49pm

66 responses Add your response

lrsky Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,118 posts 02-25-2011 at 10:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I would say that amps purchased before marriage would be high end, after, mid to low fi. Larry
hodu Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 316 posts 02-25-2011 at 10:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete A truly high-end amplifier is the one you want, but cannot afford. Once you can afford it and actually buy the thing, the high end moves up a notch. And on and on -- forever.
marakanetz Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,473 posts 02-25-2011 at 09:57pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Non-high-ends are the following: No tubes. Class D or T. Less than 90lB. Has cooling fan. Less than $5k new. Does not have detachable powercord(limited upgrade possibilities). Have non-glossy and/or industrially looking chassis. Not present in Stereophile or similar audio magazines. Michael Fremer did not write anything about it... Does not have gold-plated speaker terminals and RCA/XLR sockets.
martykl Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,578 posts 02-25-2011 at 09:20pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Oops, upon closer inspection the Pivetta is 20K watts TOTAL, to be divided among 1 or more channels via some user setting. (Bait and switch tactics, if you ask me). On the other hand, HigherFi does offer a nice discount on the unit (asking only $490K). Nevertheless, this bumps us up closer to $50 per wpc and should comfortably assure quick admission to the club. Apologies Kijanki for questioning your assertion in the first place. Marty
martykl Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,578 posts 02-25-2011 at 09:13pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If I correctly understood the link that Kijanki so kindly provided, the$650K/pr. Pivetta mono amps provide 20,000 WPC. This is just a bit over $30 per watt/ch. I'm not sure that this is costly enough to qualify as true "high end". Many a bargain priced 100 WPC amp (equivalent pricing is +/- $3200) would be denied admission to the purist high end club - so I don't know why the Pivetta gets a free ride. So, Kijanki, maybe not ALL the amps on that list ;-). Marty
paul_graham Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 197 posts 02-25-2011 at 09:09pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If it has an 8-track player attached to it, it's not high end. General rule of thumb.
rx8man Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,481 posts 02-25-2011 at 08:09pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Kijanki, that list made the Solution monos almost seem like a deal!
theo Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,684 posts 02-25-2011 at 07:38pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete How long is a piece of string? I really beleive it comes down to a relativity answer. To some it is a Marantz, to other is its FM Acoustics. I think it is one that is bought at a good stereo store not at Best Buy. One that has a price tag that is just at the crest of your budget. For me it is "brand X' that is in my system. I omit the brand to avoid the criticism that usually occompanies the mere mention of the brand. Buy what trips your trigger.
starchoice Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6 posts 02-25-2011 at 07:29pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Pretty well anything found in a "high end" (fancy) audio shop.
rdavwhitaker Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 173 posts 02-25-2011 at 07:26pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Well said.
stanwal Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,147 posts 02-25-2011 at 07:22pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The amp must have at least one end 3 feet off the floor; this classification method is as accurate as any other you are likely to find. High End is in the ear of the beholder and nowhere else.
rdavwhitaker Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 173 posts 02-25-2011 at 07:08pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If the editors and columnists of TAS or Stereophile refer to the designer of the amp by first name, the amp is high-end. ;)
kijanki Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,428 posts 02-25-2011 at 06:59pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I suspect that all amplifiers here: http://www.higherfi.com/amplist/amplist.htm might be high end.
pubul57 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,712 posts 02-25-2011 at 06:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Are you looking to buy one that just "makes it" and avoid one that just "falls short"? For the most part it is marketing speak, since most equipment performs pretty well today, or better said, you don't need to spend a lot of money to have "high-end" sound. I suspect folks would think that $500-$750 integrated from companies like NAD, Rotel, Cambridge...are truly high-end, but they sure do capture an awfully large % of what is possible from 60-100 watts SS amps.
yioryos Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 723 posts 02-25-2011 at 06:45pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I am not sure about your motives but I will bite.Ok, in my opinion a good example of non high-end amp would be the Rotel Michi series RHT----. A borderline high-end would be a Bryston.A high-end amp would be a Pass labs or Mark Levinson,ARC,Cary e.t.c. George
roxy54 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,981 posts 02-25-2011 at 06:30pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Funny question. You must know that the answers you will get are based on an individual's subjective opinion, so what is your point?