I never look to specs other than output power to make an amplifier purchase since specs are seldom an indicator how an amp will sound. Most quality amps are designed by ear, the mfgr applying different circuit topologies, trying different electronics parts & wiring in critical areas of the circuit to reach a desired sound before production begins. You end up with the designer's opinion of what sounds good.
Why do amps sound different?
Hi folks, can anyone tell me why amps sound different? I know this is a very trivial question, but it isn't so trivial as I previously thought. For example: an amp can sound "warm", while the other can sound "lean" and a bit "cooler". These amps measure the same on the test bench, but why do they sound different? What causes the "warm" characteristic if the amp has pretty good measurements and frequency characteristics? It is certainly not measurable high frequency roll off, otherwise the amp sucks. Maybe one of the experts among us can elucidate this issue a bit. Thank you.
Chris
Chris