I own a couple components that I feel are truly transparent and “get out if the way.” Bench measurements of these pieces confirm as much. However, I don’t believe it’s a sound everyone will like, nor should everyone aspire to. I completely understand why many listeners prefer and seek out the rich harmonic distortion of tube amps and similar gear that doesn’t perform so well on a test bench.
It all comes down to personal preferences. We don’t all hear the same, contrary to what the Toole zealots of the industry like to believe.
It all comes down to personal preferences. We don’t all hear the same, contrary to what the Toole zealots of the industry like to believe.