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 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,895 posts
 

Most amplifiers reduce distortion as volume goes up.  Take a look at the distortion vs. output of a linear amp (figure 5) below.

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?

It's main job is to act as a buffer with variable gain.  The buffer part is that the source doesn't see a variable resistance.  Tubes often lack an output buffer though so the preamp itself may be subject to volume control variances.  The preamp can't compensate for problems in the amp though. 

The difference you are hearing may be due to speaker impedance / amp interaction.  It's possible one amp is responding more to the speaker load than the other.  If that depresses the midrange, at low volumes that may be helpful.

 

https://www.stereophile.com/content/luxman-l-509x-integrated-amplifier-measurements

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