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What makes different amps produce different sound?

I think many of us know and undertand how various components in a 2-channel or HT system have an effect on sound output. While I understand the undr the hood workings of pre-amps, sources, and speakers, I know very little about amps. Obviously, there's more to amps then type (tube vs. SS) and power ouput.

I've done a web search for a good resource on amplifiers but haven't come across anything of value. Anyone know of a site that describes the theory behind amp design and its various components? Also, since there is a degree of subjectivity that accompanies amp performance, what aspects of your amp of choice contribute most to its performance?

Jeff
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Showing 2 responses by bomarc

bomarc
501 posts
 
Just for the record, there is a school of thought (and a rather well-credentialed one) that holds that competent amps operating within normal limits do NOT sound different at all. To be more specific, they would argue that if two amps sound different, it will be for one of three reasons:
1) Their levels are not matched.
2) One or both has a frequency response that seriously diverges from flat (as might happen with amps with a high output impedance driving certain loads).
3) One or both is clipping.
Of course, lots of audiophiles reject this, as is their right.
bomarc
501 posts
 
Eldartford: Where did you get that information? To my (admittedly limited) knowledge, everything you've said is wrong. Most instruments produce ALL harmonics, but some wind instruments, if I'm not mistaken, produce only ODD harmonics. (Remember that the fundamental tones are themselves odd harmonics!) Also, while it is true that tube amps tend to have more even harmonic distortion than odd (or is it the other way around?), tube tend to have more of BOTH even and odd-order harmonic distortion than typical solid state designs.

Why anyone thinks that added distortion of any kind should make something sound more musical is beyond me.
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