As some here here know I use Rethm Saadhana speakers. They have a 100DB sensitivity. Anything 1/2 W will do. We all hear some say all Amps sound the same basically. After using several amps recently to determine the best synergy for me was interesting.
First off a Dennis Haad Inspire 5 tube EL84 stereo amp at 4W/ch. Rich warm sweet romantic. Then a Alan Eaton 45 Stereo amp at 1 1/2 W/ch. Similar in character yet more dynamic and open and vocals to die for. Better transient speed as well. Next custom Consonance 211 mono blocks at 18W/ch using Duelund CAST output caps. More dynamic better focus, bass, top end extension and harmonic decay of notes. larger sound stage with depth.
Last but not least Audio Hungary special order AE15 mono blocks using 6C33B output tubes. Natural uncolored accurate sound. Balls to the floor bass and pristine top end. Largest sound stage as well. Hearing a harmonic linger to it's end or joined by another harmonic is just breath taking. Vocals rright there with ya.
The Amps cost between $1200 to 15K. In the end the differences were not small. I could live with any of them as long as I did not hear the better one. Amps matter greatly. There is a special synergy to be had with right combo.
Keep on trucking til you find a glorious synergy of Amp/Speaker. Have fun trying. Amps are NOT the same.
charles
I have not auditioned any of the above, but I definitely concur with you, that different amps sound different.
SS vs SS, SS vs Tube, Tube vs Tube, they all sound different. Since all the amps sound different, I would keep the one that causes the fewest sonic problems (assuming it is reliable), the least number of sonic flaws.
The best sound I have ever found in 40+ years, is when one goes all vertical. For me, that is to upgrade and design, from the Source thru Ics, thru Electronics (Phono, Preamp, Amp), thru Speaker wires, and thru Speakers. Rid the faults of each, and the synergy is perfect, the music sounds so natural, palpable, incredible.
Which one sounded the best in your system Charles?
cheers
steve