2. amps-preamps
  3. 147886-11297

Should an amp have a "personality"?

I currently have a SimAudio W-7 amp.  If there is a word to describe its sound, it would be NEUTRALITY precisely capitalized.  I mean it is neutral to a fault.  It's NOT warm, or bright, or analytical, or sweet, or anything that might be misconstrued as a personality.  It's just "IS".  It has nothing that would offend me but nothing that is endearing either.  I suppose some people may like this type of sound.  I also have another SimAudio Moon W-3 amp, and although it is neutral, but it has a distinct personality of being slightly forward, slightly upfront and ultimately more interesting to listen to.  

At this point, I am a bit disappointed what the W7 is not "FOR".  I want its sound to be FOR something be it slightly warm, or forward, or a touch bright or something that is a bit interesting even if it is a flaw.  It's like a politician who wouldn't say he's for something at the risk of offending his potential voters.  

PASS Labs amps are known to be a bit warm in the bass along with all their class A type of sound just as tube amps but they somehow make music sings.  
andy2

Showing 2 responses by mitch2

mitch2
4,132 posts
 
Whether it "should" or not is really neither here nor there.
All gear has its own distinctive sound and you either like how it sounds, or not.
There are usually sonic trade-offs in getting more of one thing while giving up something else, even with high end gear.
The trick is to find and buy what you like.


mitch2
4,132 posts
 

Having enough power to achieve the desired dynamics with the speakers being used is also not a trivial factor to the ultimate sound.

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