How big of a difference do amps make?

Amps make a SIGNIFICANT difference. I bought a set of vandersteens recently (1Ciz’s and matching center channel) and had exceeded budget so did not invest in an amplifier upgrade. At home I have a 3 year old Yamaha RXV 385 which is the low end of Yamaha amplifier  offerings at Best Buy! The candy’s sound amazing.even with those.

For example … listening to King Crimson’s  “Court of the Crimson King”  I noticed fir the first time the whisper soft roll on a kettle drum in the intro - that I have never heard before!

But I wanted even better. In another room I have a 6 year old Yamaha RXV-475 which is supposedly a step up from the 385 with more power. Surprisingly the sound quality with the 485 was a significant step down from the 385! It was nit as full - mid range appeared dull and muted and highs were hissy.

So, in my experience, even different model Amps from the same manufacture can make a audible difference.

I have a Jolida 1501 (in need of some repair) that I will try next as soon as I get it fixed, and the fact that even 2 Yamaha mass market amps sound different, makes me feel that the Jolida will be a step up! Can’t wait to hear it! 

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