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Is there actually a difference?

Speakers sound different - that is very obvious. But I’ve never experienced a drastic change between amps. Disclaimer that I’ve never personally ABX tested any extremely high end gear.

With all these articles claiming every other budget amp is a "giant killer", I’ve been wondering if there has ever been blind tests done with amplifiers to see if human ears can consistently tell the difference. You can swear to yourself that they do sound different, but the mind is a powerful thing, and you can never be sure unless it’s a truly blind test.

One step further - even IF we actually can tell the difference and we can distinguish a certain amp 7/10 times under extreme scrutiny, is it really worth the thousands you are shelling out to get that nearly-imperceivable .01% increase in performance?

Not looking to stir up any heated debate. I’ve been in audio for several years now and have always thought about this.
asianatorizzle

Showing 1 response by asianatorizzle

asianatorizzle OP
3 posts
 
Thank you all for the responses - I’ve definitely learned a lot from reading them.

I actually just sold all my gear and am planning to pull the trigger on a pair of Focal Sopra 1s.

The specs are 89 dB, 8 Ohms, and a recommended 25 - 150W.

If I had a budget of $1k for an amp to go with the Sopras, where would you guys recommend I start looking?

Erik - I don't think $1k is enough for any of your suggestions haha. But maybe one day.

It would be very interesting to start with an affordable amp, and maybe in a few years upgrade to a higher end amp to hear the difference between them.
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