Warm vs Revealing—the struggle for balance

Where would Monet have ended up if resolution and detail were his goal rather than abstract impressions?

I have one system that is a somewhat older Icepower Class D amp and a newer one with latest greatest Hypex Class D. Same speakers essentially in both. If I had to choose just one I’m going with the newer Hypex based amp which delivers the best detail of any amp I have owned in 50+ years. So that’s that. Key thing is the new high res Hypex based amp is also not at all fatiguing to me with any speakers I use there, some more detailed, some less so.

Disclaimer: I have good hearing but older ears so high frequency nuances that might have bugged me when 21 years old hearing up to 20khz  probably no longer would.

I would also like to add that as one ages, hearing changes can impact on the way we appreciate a more nuanced (warm with some high end roll off) sound signature and a lower volume, I have found my very detailed speakers have now been tamed by a fully tube amplification section which suits me well at the moment.

Everyone has their preferred listening options, one that is easy and non-fatiguing, but I still find I love listening to my Class A amp,... sometimes. The rabbit hole runs deep, enjoy the ride,

@erik_squires 

"The issue with revealing often has to do with looking for a midrange or tweeter curve that will cut through the room acoustics."

+1.  And, well stated.

Anyone else doing this back and forth?

@w123ale No. Whenever you have increased detail that is also fatiguing (bright and harsh), the fatigue is often the result of distortion. 

You know you're making progress when the presentation is detailed and relaxed at the same time.