2. amps-preamps
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Low Level Listening and Distortion

Would some amps sound better at lower levels due to distortion being produced at a lower sound level than another? In other words, a "clean" sounding amp (think stereotypical class D) sounds better to me at higher volumes while another amp sounds much louder than the class D at higher levels but great at lower levels, which I assume is our ears translating distortion into "louder" in our heads. Is it the job of a preamp to be sure the amp sounds the same at all levels or is this just impossible to make the sound that linear? I have one of the newest GaNFET amps from a well-respected designer/manufacturer playing at the moment and it sounds boring at low levels but good at higher levels. Not surprisingly it also sounds quieter at the same matched volume levels (using white noise) than the tube amps I also have. I hope I explained my question so it can be understood. Thanks.

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Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,625 posts
 

I believe in the past you said you like to be able to listen to music at louder volumes and it not sound too loud.

@bhvf That's not exactly right. What I've often said is that its the mark of a good system that it can play at high volume without sounding loud. IOW you can't tell that its playing loud until you find you have to shout to be heard by someone sitting next to you.

But it should also be engaging at low volume- for that matter at any volume. So you need a good first watt too!

Of course the amp has to have its ducks in a row, so does the preamp; there should be good vibration control for the CDP and turntable, so the the front end of your system is unassailable by the volume in the room.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,625 posts
 

In other words, a "clean" sounding amp (think stereotypical class D)

'Stereotypical class D'?? IME class D amps vary more in sound from one to another than all tube amps.

It sounds like you are talking about that 'first watt', which has to be musical for the amplifier to have a satisfying portrayal.

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