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How far have ss amps really come in the last twenty years?

I have owned and enjoyed my Jeff Rowland model 8 ( recently modded and upgraded by Jeff to the last version) for many years. I recently had the opportunity of comparing it ( after mods) to a few of the current ss models from Gamut, D'Agostino, YBA, Parasound, Sim audio, CH precision, Constellation,PS audio,Pass Labs  and Musical Fidelity. The results were very interesting, because to my ears and in the systems that we did the comparison, the Rowland held its own against all but the most expensive D'Ag and CH amps. Even those were only very slightly outclassing the Rowland in the areas of top end resolution...and a tad in the bottom end resolution. Now the thing is that the last revision to the Rowland 8 was designed by Jeff over ten years ago! 
So, my question for those more technically inclined than myself is...how far has the design of ss amps come in the last ten...or even twenty years? 
daveyf

Showing 2 responses by lhasaguy

lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
346 posts
 
Having read most of this thread, I reflect on my 12+ year old McIntosh MC501 mono block amplifiers.  Paired with a tube pre amp, driving 3.6 Maggie’s.

McIntosh has a certain “sound” and paired with planar speakers they still speak to me.  

Could my my system be better, most likely, but at what cost?  Being married to a world class Economist, marginal cost versus marginal gain is our mantra.

I understand current technology has moved the price much higher, the question is, IF you can hear it, is the price worth it?  

This is is an empirical issue that is answered differently by each individual.

There is much to be said for component synergy and when realized, it takes a LOT to move one off that sweet spot.
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
346 posts
 
The is no doubt that designs and execution have advanced over time.  Yet I have to ask myself after deep reflection, how much better is it really?

When I purchased my first decent system of separates, 50 years ago while in the service, I had a small amp, Sansui 555 with it’s companion tuner TU-555.  Paired with Sansui SP-100 3 way speakers, a Dual 1019 turntable and AKAI reel to reel, I was the n heaven.

No doubt my current 3.6 Maggie’s are much better speakers, and McIntosh MC501 mono blocks are much better amps, yet I MUST ask myself, does I enjoy the system I have more than the one I had with in 1971?   

Somehow I think NOT.   I would be interested to hear from folks in my age group if they feel the same.

Not trying to hijack this thread, but following a natural thought progression IMHO.
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