From Just a Receiver to Separate Amp, What Degree Of Improvement Did You Notice?? (1 Viewer)

[Chu Gai]

yes, now you need to dig a little deeper and come to some understanding of how the human hearing process works. I could suggest books, or likely you can find some universities that do research into psychoacoustics or audiology and get additonal information.

certainly if the results are expected to be random, then a recommendation based on random results is rather worthless. in those cases, the individual will pick out the words or thoughts that they think is right and agrees with their belief or biases.

as far as listening experience goes, when it comes to listening for difference, most people grossly overestimate their experience and abilities.
...what degree of improvement did you notice" from going to a separate amp to say...
...going to a different speaker wire
...going to a different carpeting
...when painting your room a dark color
and wind up getting equally widely divergent responses.

when the results are chaos Shane, a recommendation based on chaos has very little to stand upon. perhaps one day you'll consider adopting a more rigorous and unbiased approach...maybe even read some peer reviewed stuff. it's no fun adopting the philosophy of Eeyore and not being curious enough to try. maybe this is what they mean by YMMV?

 

[Angelo.M]

...the difference in the way electronics "sound" is minor compared to 2 things, the speaker and the room.

Yes. Except, you forgot the 3rd thing: the listener's brain.

And, electronics don't have a "sound." You knew that, right?

Like Chu says: you have to try, because your mileage may vary. Wondering if adding an amp will improve your setup? Don't ask, do. Beg for, borrow or steal one and try it. That's the only way to know.

Or: if I told you the amp wouldn't make a difference, would you believe me? If so, why?

 

[Chu Gai]

Think that's what they were doing in Baghdad during operation Iraqui Freedom? I saw a ton of people carting off audio equipment. If I recall, Marantz was very popular. Strange, don't you think that people living in Iraq would prefer a 'warm' sound?

 

[DaleBesh]

Yes. Except, you forgot the 3rd thing: the listener's brain.

In all fairness to Chu, I think he was holding the 'brain' as a constant...an oversight!

 

[Angelo.M]

In all fairness to Chu, I think he was holding the 'brain' as a constant...an oversight!

Go back a few posts and you'll see I wasn't quoting or critiquing Chu; I was quoting BrianAe.

 

[DaleBesh]

Go back a few posts and you'll see I wasn't quoting or critiquing Chu; I was quoting BrianAe

Wow, where was my 'brain'?



OK sub Brian for Chu...should still work!

 

[Philip Hamm]

My experience: When I went from an Onkyo 919 receiver (which has a monster amp section) to my Sherwood separates - the difference was barely if at all perceptible. But the convenience was a lot better, especially when I upgraded my front end processor for one with DPL II (Outlaw 950).

 

[Brett DiMichele]

Chu,

If I was to match a Warm Amp with a pair of Warm speakers
would the whole setup overheat? I would be afraid that all
that "hotness" in one room could be detrimental to the
equipment in said room. ?/?

 

[Chu Gai]

this should only be done when playing warm music with a willing significant other. IMO, it makes the music more revealing.

 

[Angelo.M]

I think he was holding the 'brain' as a constant...

Except that it never is, of course.

I was simply pointing out that it is the most crucial factor in determining how electronic equipment "sounds." Your perception and biases come first, then (perhaps) speakers, room geometry/landscape/treatments, source material and, further down the way, electronic elements.

Oh well.