What makes you build a system around an amplifier?

Hi gdhal,
You heard distinct differences amongst the 3 amplifiers you auditioned. That’s been my experience as well and so it seems with some other contributors to this thread. Some people seem to feel that if an amplifier measures well and has presumed sufficient power then there isn’t much difference that they offer.

To each their own and just confirms that people do hear and interpret in various ways. I happened to find amplifiers are uniquely individual as are speakers or really any audio product. DACS, cartridges, preamplifiers all have a sonic trait or character.

In reality we strive to blend and match all the links and components of our systems to achieve that coveted synergy. Numerous ways to get there. As has been stated by a number of posters on this thread, the amplifier for some of us is the system’s soul. For others this isn’t the case. Divergence of opinions are understood 😊.
Charles

Atmasphere,
You present a very rational explanation for selecting an amplifier "then" choosing an appropriate speaker match. I’ve done it either way over the years but discovered that at least for me deciding on the amplifier first proved to be most sucessful.

I also acknowledge that  this option puts me in the distinct minority in the audiophile community but that’s okay with me. What you wrote mimics my thought process in beginning with the power amplifier. Again, most will find eventual success with either approach. 
Charles

Hello Eric,
I use the Coincident Frankenstein MK II 300b SET mono blocks, BTW my system is posted on this site. My amplifier progression was Symphonic Line (transistor), to tube push pull class A/B X 2 different amps. I bought the Frankenstein out of curiosity to compare to my excellent 100 watt PP amplifier (Bella Extreme 100, V-Cap version). Speakers are  94 dB sensitivity and 14 ohm nominal load Coincident Total Eclipse II.

This speaker was really good with the 100 watt amplifier. On the very first listen straight out of the shipping box I realized that the 8 watt Frankenstein was superior sounding. No 2nd guessing required, better tonality, timbre, nuance, music ebb and flow. Most immediately apparent was more emotional involvement and communication. Realism was at a different level, just plain more.

The 100 watt PP has superior bass weight and impact, that’s it (and the SET bass is quite good). I went from a "very " good amplifier to sublime as presented by the Frankenstein. It’s more open, transparent and better at resolving the micro details and subtleties. It’s even more 3 dimensional than the very good PP which had bettered the Symphonic Line amplifier in this area.

No other audio anything has provided as much impact in my home. It is the heart and soul of my system. Needless to say YMMV.
Charles

Hi Roxy54, 
Although I know that each component in the signal chain is important I've come to regard my power amplifier as the "soul" (as you put it) of my system. In reality you can choose to build around speaker, source, amplification etc. and be sucessful.  In my case getting a SET amplifier was the single and most profound decision  I've made. 8 years of unadulterated musical joy and happiness. No doubt that choices will vary with different listeners.  I'm just stating what's worked out best for me. 
Charles