what's the point?


https://web.archive.org/web/20190311201740/http://www.tom-morrow-land.com/tests/ampchall/index.htm
According to this, all amps that are played below clipping sound the same (indiscernible). So what benefit does it serve to purchase an expensive amplifier that may use more expensive capacitors or other parts?
Oh, and what pricepoint does the law of diminishing returns kick in for a class a/b amp/integrated rated at say 150 watts per Channel  @ 8 ohms capable of increasing power at 4 ohms and still being stable?  Thanks.
labguy

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

OK, to better and thoroughly answer your question, there's a couple of points I want to make:

- We are limited by measurements defined by about the 1970's and 1980's. These measurements have not progressed, despite the progress made in technology such as A/D converters, computer power, etc.

- One thing I've noticed in general is that amplifiers are more susceptible to impedance changes in the load than we think. I think the traditional math / models of a voltage source, output impedance, load, don't really predict how amps sound with different loads or speaker cables.

- Our ear/brain mechanism is capable of learning to pick out a lot more nuance than we think. Just as we are now using AI to train neural networks to distinguish cancer from images, I believe our neural networks also can lead to different tastes as well as levels of discernment.  Now, as you may have seen, I sometimes question whether this is a good thing.

- Amps with meters are much better than amps without meters.

Best,

E
Julian Hirsch was one such proponent of that idea, the man had no ear at all.