2. amps-preamps
  3. 165374-20253

Is the appeal to euphonic distortion learned?

Hi everyone,

I have been thinking a little bit about the idea of euphonic distortion. The idea that we can make an amplifier or preamplifier sound better by not being so absolutely true to the input. The common story is that by adding 2nd order harmonics the music sounds more pleasant to more people. Certainly Pass has written a great deal, and with more nuance and detail about this and makes no bones about his desire to make a good sounding, rather than well measuring product.

Lets keep this simple description of euphonic distortion for the sake of argument, or we’ll devolve into a definition game.

I’m wondering whether it is possible that this is in large part learned? For instance, if I grew up with non-euphonic amps and then was exposed to an amp with high amounts of 2nd order distortion would I like it? Is the appeal here one which you have to have learned to like? Like black coffee through a French press?

And this discussion is of course in line with my thoughts about the ear/brain learning process. That there are no absolute’s in music reproduction because we keep re-training our ears. We keep adjusting what we listen to and ultimately at some point have to decide whether the discrimination between gear makes us happier or not. (Go ahead writers, steal this topic and don't mention me again, I know who you are).
erik_squires

Showing 1 response by bruce19

bruce19
293 posts
 
@erik_squires  You got me thinking and it might be learned but not from equipment. My hypothesis is that certain harmonics are more pleasing to the ear but they may be conditioned by the musical system we are accustomed to. My reading of Nelson Pass's thinking is that he feels even order harmonics (the octave) have this inherent quality. I like that but the problem is that the third order harmonic is a perfect fifth in music and that certainly is pleasing to western ears. (Apologies to Mr. Pass if I interpret him incorrectly). Also chords are basically made up of thirds. So lets I change that to lower order harmonics are pleasing to western ears.  I think that works and invite correction from those more versed in this than I.
So if lower order harmonics dominate from acoustic instruments using western tunings then it would follow that equipment that reproduces music would also please if the main distortion it introduces is consists of lower order harmonics.

Lets see if this withstands the scrutiny of the learned members of our forum:-)
Bruce
More to discover