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The Best Amplifier Ever ?

OK, let's get the straight scoop! Stereophile reviewers want to push the Halcro dm58 (and presumably the dm68) into a newly formed A+ category because it is the best amplifier ever. For a moment, let's assume something like a "best" can exist, at least for one person at a time. Is this the end for all other amps in the proximate price range? Paul Bolin used words like "jaw dropping" and "utter disbelief" -- Oh I know that journalists like that kind of thing, but Mr. Bolin basically says that nothing else comes close to comparison. No contest. Not in the same league. Even in Stereophile, I can't recall something quite that glowing (except maybe for the Boulder 2008 phono preamp). What do you think?
ozfly

Showing 4 responses by zaikesman

zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Alright, I'm game: I hereby nominate my 1964 Fender Super Reverb (tho' my '61 Ampeg Reverberocket *is* very, very special...)
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Bear, does that mean you absolutely equate "Best Measuring Amp" with "Best Amp"? If so, that would imply that you believe that the currently-available and performed suite of measurements is 100% sufficient to ascertain any amp's ability to reproduce music.

(Although I strongly doubt this claim myself, I would note that Vladimir Lamm has his own proprietary suite of measurements he uses to exclusively design-in his amps' intended performance attributes, sans any music-listening input to the process [though his formulations are supposedly based on his reasearch regarding the reponse of the human ear/brain], and his products are very 'audiophile-approved'.)
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
The preceding nicely illustrates why there can never be a 'world's best' amp. After a certain level excellence is achieved, personal preferences will still always exist and prevail.
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
It seems you are new here, Cjsmithmd, so allow me to welcome you to Audiogon and the forum. Since this is your only post to date, please do not take offense if I say that your comments might be treated as provisional until you have some history on the forum (there is always the possibility that a positive 'review' could be posted by an 'anonymous newcomer' with an interest in marketing the product - your post does not seem typical of this, however). You may not know that Audiogon now has a section devoted to member reviews. While your thoughtful article is certainly valid as a part of this particular thread, if you still have the draft in your computer by any chance, you may want to post it separately in that archived section for commentary and reference by members interested in researching this product. Based on your contribution here, I think I can safely speak for the forum as a whole in saying we will look foward to more input drawn from your apparently extensive experience and interest (not to mention bankroll! ;^). Good luck with your ongoing auditioning, and congratulations if you have found your new personal reference amps.
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