Do all SS amplifiers sound alike?

[Grenadeslio]

So, my Adcom GFA-545-2 is or should be indisquishable in blind listening from *any* other amp within it's power range?

The "fact" proferred was that "all" SS amps sound alike, whether similar output or not, just as long as neither is driven into clipping lol. This was the reason given for buying cheap gear and patting oneself on the back for being so much smarter than anyone who "wasted" money on a "better" amp lol.

 

[quiet]

Some of these old receivers may have sounded similar when they were new, which I doubt, but they don't anymore.
Maybe amps do, I wouldn't know.

 

[Grenadeslio]

Some of these old receivers may have sounded similar when they were new, which I doubt, but they don't anymore.
Maybe amps do, I wouldn't know.
View attachment 1331785

I have dozens of power amps, some 3 of the same model and even those don't sound the same. Now where would be the bias in choosing one amp over the other if they were identical? Why would a blind test be needed in this instance? It's not like I would have some weird attraction for one over the others lol, they're all the same lol.

 

[david1111]

@E-Stat
I just read your link to the 450 III's, and the MB amps are pretty impressive. I didn't actually realize that they were tube amps.
I've never listened to a good tube amp system, but that is something I will definitely do before I purchase another amplifier for an upgrade.
Your MB-450s must sound very nice. They must be wonderful with classical and jazz.
One of these days .....

Dave

 

[slow_jazz]

No way.

 

[gslikker]

I think that if anything sounds the same as five people think so, that the possibility exists for them to have hearing problems.

Apart from that, I presume I have reading problems too, as I see people consider "the same" equals "alike".
Maybe because of English being a "foreign language" to me this could be the case, as apparently I do not realize the extent of equality of the words.

I overlooked OP's statement at the beginning of the poll about the same amplifiers sound different because of electronics components tolerances alone, and did not realize this apparently is a cutting edge / golden ears contest.

 

[Grenadeslio]

Apart from that, I presume I have reading problems too, as I see people consider "the same" equals "alike".
Maybe because of English being a "foreign language" to me this could be the case, as apparently I do not realize the extent of equality of the words.

I overlooked OP's statement at the beginning of the poll about the same amplifiers sound different because of electronics components tolerances alone, and did not realize this apparently is a cutting edge / golden ears contest.

In the English language "the same" means so much more than "alike".

You and your brother may look alike, but you and your identical twin brother look "the same".

So in this instance it was proferred that all SS amplifiers sound "identical", as in the millions of amplifiers all over the world all sound indistinguishable from each other.

 

[bruhl001]

Not to state the obvious, but two amps measured/designed as producing a flat response and not clipping will scientifically test out as the being the same. Now, if someone can hear what science says is not there, good for you but but a little humility may be in order....I may have sat down in a slightly different (1 inch) place in the room when I swapped out those two amps I was comparing.

 

[bruhl001]

I personally like that some people don't believe the science because we get to see things like this produced

 

[bruhl001]

For the "you're not measuring the right thing" crowd....well what are those differences that should have noticeable measurements.

 

[zebra03]

you guys are all preaching to the choir.

there are deniers here on AK
cable
capacitor
burn-in

now
SS are all alike
tubes are all alike
and some speakers are better than LS3/5As (from those who've never heard them)
(but there main underneath argument is that all speakers sound alike w/o hearing any)

and in the future - wait for it

ALL MUSIC IS ALIKE - rock= classical = jazz = acapella = folk = Japanese noh = Chinese opera.

 

[thumper69]

Is it me or all these posts pretty much the same?

 

[E-Stat]

I just read your link to the 450 III's, and the MB amps are pretty impressive. I didn't actually realize that they were tube amps.I've never listened to a good tube amp system, but that is something I will definitely do before I purchase another amplifier for an upgrade.
Your MB-450s must sound very nice. They must be wonderful with classical and jazz.

Well, my earlier version isn't quite as refined as the current model nor as pretty. The new ones use more linear TRT Stealth coupling caps as does Audio Research.

Having said that, I have no interest in replacing them after seventeen years of use. Indeed, they are able to convey subtleties of instruments that truly is musical. Tube amps, however, are not an ideal match for all speakers. I'm firmly in the choose speaker first - then find suitable amp camp.

 

[Hyfi]

I personally like that some people don't believe the science because we get to see things like this produced
View attachment 1331919

Have you ever listened to an amp like this? Or do you just like the pictures?

 

[bruhl001]

Have you ever listened to an amp like this? Or do you just like the pictures?

just like the pictures

 

[Hyfi]

just like the pictures

That's what I thought, just checking. You should get out more

 

[bruhl001]

That's what I thought, just checking. You should get out more

thinking about it....maybe the library today.....

 

[E-Stat]

I personally like that some people don't believe the science because we get to see things like this produced

Exactly what part(s) of its design is not based on "the science"?

 

[bruhl001]

I'll send cliffs notes to all who request

 

[Hyfi]

thinking about it....maybe the library today.....
View attachment 1331955

Cool, see if they have this one too, since you asked earlier.