2. amps-preamps
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Non-feedback amplification topology and frequency

Is it true that non-feedback topology amplification is prone to frequency limitations if not matched with the absolute perfect speaker system?
I'm trying grasp how to get a flat sound from my very much loved new PL5. I have resorted to EQ, that never mentioned term on these forum, to bring back the ultra-highs of cymbals and bells etc. I've also rolled the pre-tubes and switched out my ICs. Still very much a frown freq graph.
I'm willing to get new speakers to help this amp deliver on its promises. Focal seem nicely high in sensitivity.
jmacinnis

Showing 5 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
Well, at least paper should be able to disqualify the big offenders. THen it is left up to our ears, which I agree with 100%. And and over the years, my ears tell me there is more to it than meets the eye here.... ie it is NOT so black and white. That is definitely the case if it cannot be measured. A "leap of faith" is required to reach the conclusion in lieu of supporting data. So goes high end audio.....
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
"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."

Hmmm, never is a long long time!

I think that's arguable at a minimum.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
"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."

Absolute statements like this are bound to hit some nerves. That's what helps create discussion, which is usually where a more complete story might become apparent.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
"The reason I made that comment is that an amplifier that violates one of the most fundamental rules of human hearing will never sound like real music."

Is it really so black and white in practice though which designs truly "violate the rule" and that use of NF means a violation in all cases?

I would think it more shades of grey with the devil being in the details: the relative magnitude of the violation (which varies and should be measurable) and at what point the "fundamental rule" is "violated".
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,865 posts
 
I won't disagree that there may be incentive in the high end "industry" to not make things easy for buyers.

There are still multiple recipes towards good soup that an informed buyer who cares enough can follow to acieve their goals. No one recipe has all the advantage!

Luckily, most of the rest of the world gets by fine with mass produced stuff that works well enough to satisfy the average listener.

Really good things never come easy.....
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