New preamps making new claims.


I embrace innovation and don't doubt that new product lines are better than yesteryears'.
Brands with big fan clubs are claiming their new releases are much better than previous models. For instance Pass, Ayre, Simaudio, BAT, Classe, Cary, Mcintosh and Audio Research have introduced new models recently that are supposed to be much better.
Please share with us your experience in this area.
pedrillo

Showing 1 response by phd

I don't think that circuit design in itself has changed that much over the past 25 years & a good but older design is often viable for years to come but what is better now is the parts. When you send an older unit in for an upgrade, it is the parts in the audio path that are always targeted & replaced with newer better sounding replacements. In some cases the power supply is also targeted for upgrade, usually the caps.

So it is my opinion that companies that exagerate claims that the new model is so much better than last years (considering that one unit is only one year older than the other) is definately trying to make a sales pitch. This also leaves me wondering why their best effort was saved for last, maybe it's just prettier! It takes alot of discipline for an audiophile to recognize this and turn from the hype.