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 6 responses by mrdecibel

I believe a system, as a whole, should be able to " show forth " the recordings, in such a way, that when you are in your listening seat ( the sweet spot ), you are hearing your favorite artists and musicians, performing at their " finest ", in their chosen acoustic space, and you,  are completely engulfed and entertained, in the experience. Enjoy ! MrD.
Without starting a war ( however, lately it is common for wars here to arise ), I think it is the Thiels that are not making you happy. Trying a different amp, or two, will be the only way to know.
Andy, please read my 1st post on this thread ( previous page ). My own words, after being at this for 50 years.
I have found most professional reviewers use the term, referencing to live, unamplified music. Also the comment is always used after they use an " audiophile " recording ( properly mic’d, mixed and mastered ), not a compressed, badly produced recording. Getting back to the speaker situation. My Lascalas and Kosst’s focals, although different, can play any kind of music, with authority and a bit of volume to boot. I owned, and have sold Thiels, and " exciting " is not their thing ( again, not to fight with anyone ), although I really do understand why people love them, and there is a lot to love, but you might have outgrown them. Remember this, a system is a " synergy " of all things, all parts necessary for playback. Enjoy ! MrD.