2. amps-preamps
  3. 1036097850

high-end vs. ultra high-end amplifiers

It is quite frustrating to know that some amplifiers (Boulder, FM Acoustics, Accuphase) are sounding better than even very expensive ones from the big boys (Mark Levinson, Krell, Bryston, Spectral). I wonder why there is such a difference. Madrigal, Krell, Bryston, Spectral, they all belong to the high-end sector of audio industry and they are claiming they are making the best amplifiers. But I know that this is not true: I've heard amplifiers from Boulder and FM Acoustics and they sound just better than the Madrigals, Krells and so on. Is it because Boulder and FM Acoustics have more know how about amplifier design (I suppose not) or do they use more expensive parts and better circuit topologies? Do they have brighter technicians and designers? There must be an explanation for this phenomenon. It isn't magic! Maybe someone from the audio industry can reply to this thread.
dazzdax

Showing 3 responses by brianmgrarcom

brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
I agree with Lugnut. Also, what you may chose as "sounding better", may be the opposite to someone else. (That is not to say that one amp can not be clearly better than the other.)

Also, one manufacturer may incorporate things into the amp that doesn't necessarily add to it's sonic performance, yet is costly to add, such as extensive protection. Consider the support you get with a product also, these things add up.

I am not sure of the prices of all these, but are the prices really that far apart? I never thought of Accuphase amps as being "inexpensive".
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
I alluded to what Philefreak said in my earlier message, I don't see the amps he listed as "inexpensive" amps! I don't know anything about FM Acoustics and little about Accuphase and Boulder, other than they have very expensive amps just as the others; therefore I am confussed on the "supposed" price disparity.

As for one brand sounding better than the other, this has been well covered as subjective.

Gregm mentions that the smaller companies "probably" want to stay that way (small), in other words, "I am speculating and have no idea". (Not looking for an argument here Greg, the statement just reminded me of some of the campaign ads currently running.)

I don't know why the poster finds what he perceives to be "frustrating", if he doesn't like certain brands, don't buy.
brianmgrarcom
1,317 posts
 
Gregm, reading over my message, it certainly comes across harsher than my intentions! I should of stated that you may (or may not) be right. Please don't take it to personal.
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