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What is a 'fast' amp?

Not asking about specific amps, rather what does a 'fast' amp sound like vs a 'slow' one? This terminology is thrown about a lot and I don't know how to tell the difference.

I got to thinking... is an amp fast when it doesn't rush the music (ie, it is faster than the music, so the music appears relaxed) or does it rush the music, making it sound fast? I peronally would think that neither is too good, but I would take the relaxed over the rushed sound, of course.

?? Perplexed.
kck

Showing 2 responses by jafox

jafox
1,470 posts
 
Wow, good description, Elizabeth.
jafox
1,470 posts
 
I can relate to Teajay's definition. For me speed implies how well the amp can portray the leading edge of a note, i.e., the attack. And how much it handles the stacatto qualities of intricate piano and guitar playing. I have yet to hear a tube amp that does this even remotely as impressive as the CAT JL2 and JL3.

I do not see how a bright or forward sounding amp can have any relation to speed. I have heard many such products and they smeared the details as well which implies a very poor response time. A Classic example of this is no pun intended, the ARC Classic 150 amps.

John
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