The "re-birth" of MF A1

Just to point out, no one is saying you shouldn't use whatever you enjoy. If you like it, go for it! :)

Only saying it would be hard to argue such an amp is more 'transparent' than a good solid state which is what SM seemed to say. We probably take transparent to mean different things? I would take it to mean accurate, what goes in comes out with very little change apart from being louder.
 
Stereo Mic said:
I'd tend to agree Neil. People will always believe what they want to believe first and foremost. I obviously refute pretty much every word of Rob's post - it's full of innaccuracies,generalisations and assumptions. But I'm past bothering to argue the point. I'll continue down my path thanks - I've tried yours :)
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I also agree with Neil, but I think it's important to develop some understanding of the basic mechanisms at work, particularly if you are going to make general statements and assumptions about amplifier transparency.
 
Rob,

basic mechanisms? FR of +/- 1db at the listening position from 100hz to 20khz. With regards to amplifier THD, an amp that produces 1% at rated output but is never working at more than 1% capacity produces vanishingly low distortion.

Sadly your basic mechanisms cannot be used to illustrate perceived differences.
 
ShinOBIWAN said:
I've played that same CD through a few other systems and it always sounds great. The common denominator here is quality SS amps. If you want transparency that where the meat is IMO.
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guys, what would be your SS (or non-valved) solution for hi-eff speakers? we're talking here about 110db+ eff.
 
Oh well, John Atkinson's been wasting his time for years with these measurments then. Someone really out to tell him...
 
Anu Hi, interesting question,with 110 plus you could use almost anything, what have you heard and liked so far, I would go for valves, but which and implementation?
 
Anu,

I have used the Final Labs pre and power with a pair of avantgarde horns a few years ago. I like it a lot but i couldn't afford it at the time I would think the 47 labs gain card would be a good match. But the Final Lab gear was the best I have heard on Horns.
 
Stereo Mic said:
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With regards to amplifier THD, an amp that produces 1% at rated output but is never working at more than 1% capacity produces vanishingly low distortion.

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But it might produce much more than 1% distortion at lower output (Class B with bad crossover, for example). Take a look at typical power/distortion curves - they tend to be mangled U-shapes.
 
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dev, i have coming the a1 cdp and the a1 amp to try out next week, aparently the cdp uses a profesional philips transport,
i will give my views ofcourse,
 
anubisgrau said:
guys, what would be your SS (or non-valved) solution for hi-eff speakers? we're talking here about 110db+ eff.
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How about a T-amp? :D

Most important I suspect would be an amp with very low noise, since it will be rather noticeable through such sensitive speakers. I have been impressed by how low the noise is on my SKA based amps, I can't hear any at all.

You could go for something like an SKA board, or a gainclone if you like, driven from a fully regulated supply (Teddy Power-regs?), since it wouldn't need much power.

Have a look here - http://www.pinkfishmedia.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39306&highlight=teddy+power+gainclone
 
murray johnson said:
Mind you, Robert's Cambridge Amp might be all you need. I've not heard one on very sensitive speakers but he seems to rate it highly enough.
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Never tried it with anything super sensitive (100db+) but it's fine into 95dbw Impulse H2s where the 5w available in Class A goes a long way. The stepped attenuator also has superb low level resolution and matching which helps no end with sensitive speakers.
 
Sonic T? lol

Mine was outclassed by a Sansui amp I got for £23 on Ebay. Seriously my 300B craps all over the Sansui.

All of which proves nothing of course, but I'm just joining in. :)
 
RobHolt said:
Never tried it with anything super sensitive (100db+) but it's fine into 95dbw Impulse H2s where the 5w available in Class A goes a long way. The stepped attenuator also has superb low level resolution and matching which helps no end with sensitive speakers.
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There you go Anu. The search may be over. Cheers Robert.
 
Dick Bowman said:
But it might produce much more than 1% distortion at lower output (Class B with bad crossover, for example). Take a look at typical power/distortion curves - they tend to be mangled U-shapes.
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Hi Dick,

we were talking about a Class A valve amplifier in this case. SS adherents often cite appalling THD figures for such units based on rated output - highly misleading IME when used properly. By contrast, most Class A/B amps have a higher than average uneven harmonic exactly where they output their power for typical listening. This could possibly explain why I find them ultimately unconvincing.
 

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