Non-feedback amplification topology and frequency

Thanks atmasphere. That is a plausible explanation why SET amplifiers which almost always employ zero NFB sound more involving (dynamic) than reality. I've found SET amps with zero NFB to be less accurate than PP amps using NFB.

"Ultimately you have to be more careful of your speaker choice; this is doubly important because a speaker that requires the amp to have feedback will never be able to sound like real music- it will at best sound like a good hifi."

Atmasphere, I have to disagree with your opinion. I've owned both Atmasphere amp (M60) which uses minimal feedback and tube amps that use up to 20 dB of feedback. More often than not, I've found tube amps that use feedback sound more realistic and are more compatible with wider range of speakers than amps that use no feedback. I've looked into why audiophiles think no feedback is sonically superior, but I can't find any good reason to support this contention. Yes, NFB does increase odd order harmonics but the levels are low, and I doubt if anyone can actually hear them reliably. I've found most tube amps with no feedback to have less controlled bass, less dynamics, and subtle softening of the highs.

Atmasphere, as Mapman has indicated, you should be prepared to be criticized if you state opinions in absolutes. What you state are facts are contested by others. See below.

http://sound.westhost.com/articles/distortion+fb.htm

Atmasphere, I'm not trying to be disrespectful, but the link you provided written by you is not convincing.

Marqmike, a zero negative feedback amp does produce odd order harmonics. Please read the link I provided. It will answer most of your questions.

Hi Jmacinnis, I'm glad you are happy with your system. My thread that you pointed out really has nothing to do with what makes us happy about our system or about our sound preference. The crux of my post is about whether a the output from a NFB amp is more faithful to the original signal than that of a ZNFB amp. My post has hit a lot of nerves because it seems that some took my post as an attack on their taste in music and equipment, which it wasn't at all. I was initially perplexed by some of the responses, which had nothing to do with my question. Some didn't even bother to read the important article I linked.