🚀 go-pugleaf

In <1qfiedINN1qc@ariel.ucs.unimelb.EDU.AU> salman@ariel.ucs.unimelb.edu.au (Salman Shami) writes:

>[discussion of Stereo Review's test in which people were unable to
> tell different amplifiers apart]
> 
>] This supports my belief that the *only* important characteristics
>] distinguishing amplifiers over the two-to-three-hundred-dollar price
>] point are price, power, durability, and other such factors.  I think
>] *all* other differences are primarily the result of the expectations of
>] the listener.  [...]
>]
>] I'm curious what other people think of this.  I'm also curious as to
>] whether anyone out there who has different opinions can provide
>] *scientifically sound* evidence that I'm wrong.
>
<relates his buying experienc>
> 
>Another point. If Stereo Review beleives in its own results then why does it rate
>some amplifiers as good and some as bad. If there is no difference.

The biggest difference actually appears to be in the
capability/robustness of the power supply.  My partner has a simple
Yamaha 80W/channel amp.  I knew that compared to a Rotel I had once
owned, this thing sucked when it came to transient response.

I pulled it apart, and upgraded the cheap and tacky wiring to the
speaker outlets with some good quality cable.  The sound improved
quite a bit.  And before we get onto a cable war again I'll point out
that the existing wire and mounting connectors were clearly
inadequate.

I then decided to upgrade the power transformer with a 300VA torroidal
one, the bridge rectifier with a chasis-mounted 400V PIV 25 amp one,
and new power wiring (of course) to the PCB.  The difference was
stunning!  The transients were now fantastic, with a complete lack of
the muddiness of the original.

Now that I think back on it, the Rotel I had was equiped with dual
power supplies - one for each channel.  I didn't feel inclined to put
this kind of power supply in the Yamaha (my partner only paid $270 for
it in Singapore), but it is clearly the biggest difference.

It seems to me (with some elec. eng. knowledge) that hand-picking 2%
metal film resisters in the pre-amp might improve the noise margin
which few people will notice in the home, and give your wanky
salesperson something with which to impress, but a decent power supply
will produce better value for money!

The moral of this story - if you are choosing between two amps and
can't decide, buy the heavy one!  Spookily enough this goes for most
other things too... speakers (big magnets/heft cabinet), cassette
decks (metal parts in the mechanism/power supply) etc.

Note that even though the Sony 5 disk CD player we have does not do
the speakers and new-improved amp much justice (I really covet the
Rotel 855 I bought my sister for her birthday :-), the difference was
still remarkable.

Paul