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Power Amplifier - Maximum Resolution & Detail!

I am assuming some of you have experienced the following.... All else being the same in the chain, you replaced a power amplifier and started hearing more resolution and detail, perhaps a lil more in a track that you have heard a thousand times.

Ime, the higher you go up in price doesn't necessarily guarantee that you could experience the above mentioned. It seems to come down to the nitty gritty of the circuits under consideration, i.e., the black art of power delivery and analog circuit design.

What is a power amp you may have experimented with that provided the maximum detail and resolution at any price? (Not just perceived changes in tonal balance, etc).

I am hoping to shortlist a power amp based on some suggestions here for a future purchase.

 

P.S. If you are an ASR type of guy who thinks all power amps sound the same, this may not the right thread for you, I suppose...

deep_333

Showing 2 responses by audiodwebe

audiodwebe's avatar
audiodwebe
252 posts
 

You'll laugh, but here it goes: I recently picked up a pair of Fosi V3 Monos and after adding the Sparkos opamp, I heard some subtle things on some my test tracks that I'd not heard before.  Or maybe hadn't noticed before. 

Some amps I've had or still have:  VTL monos, Cary 805s, Aleph 3, Aleph 2, AES SixPacs, Inspire triode, James Burges 2A3/45 and many more.

IMO, some of the newer, inexpensive gear are killin' it.

audiodwebe's avatar
audiodwebe
252 posts
 

Immathewj, I feel they are heavy!  I have the 805B with an upgraded auto-bias option which I’ve not been able to find any info about anywhere.  

To the best of my recollection, as I’ve not had them in my system for a while, they offer a very robust and full sound.  Smooth without any higher frequency etchiness or glare, soundstages well and is the kind of amp that draws you in for relaxed, extended listening.  Some will argue that their 50 watts isn’t enough for many speakers but in my experience they drove everything I threw at them, to include the Maggie 1,7i’s in both of my small listening rooms (12x16 and 13x14).

The only drawbacks to me are that they are a bit cumbersome and heavy and will generate enough heat to warm my room a bit.  Other than those two things, and the cost of replacement tubes, I think they are fantastic amps.

 

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