HELLO OLD POST
Id like to say that I currently have both amps and can talk about the sonic difference about 200w with and without autoformers.
Reference speakers are JBL 4311 and Urei 811b coax.
The autoformers are very noticeable.
There are tradeoffs here. Im sure there are amp differences as well as a different decade of transistors and caps in play as well from a 1973 amplifier (2205) and a 1985 amplifier (2002).
My 811b ureis are very revealing.
The 4311's are classic rock and roll studio monitors.
2205: Killer on the 4311s. You can hallucinate the rich brass overtones on everything. Never strident but simply detailed. 811b speakers had a 'tucked in' feel with a distinct autoformer punch that feels like about 50hz.
2002: Everything is more forward. I have heard a good variety of amps and hear the DC coupled output sound. Extra 'viv' on all acoustics. Everything gets more detail from 2k to 10k. Top end isnt as smooth, CD reference quality starts showing. Or is it this extra 'zip' the amp gives? Over time although it conceptually is more accurate, not as soft and pleasing as 2205. Low bass under 400hz wasnt as vibrant or jelly like. 'Drier' sounding. More forward. Tradeoff.
2205: More bass punch. Better colors all around. Smoother. More 'cinematic'. Feels 'darker'.
2002: Feels brighter. More attack and reaction on everything. Forward midrange. Still smooth but slightly tippy.
The 4311s and 811bs are studio monitors and are rather efficient speakers. Fast power amps definitely can be too much. I heard a Levinson 333 that was tearing my ears off on both of these. The Levinson sounded balanced on electrostats, however. I have a feeling part of my perceptions are that as well. The 2002 feels 'faster' sounding.
Reference listens:
There Goes Rhymin Simon - Paul Simon
A Ghost Is Born - Wilco
Rubber Soul - Beatles
Moondance - Van Morrison
I will be keeping the 2205.
Undecided if the 2002 will stick around.
Cant have it all! I choose color and bass richness over highly-nuanced treble any day. 2205 is what feels right for my JBLs. I run a 6100 integrated (70wpc) with my 811b's.
Marshall Terry
www.terryaudio.com