Maybe amps really do something

[Alex2507]

Warp will have to test this for you. I don't like people so I am not inviting a lot over.

It's not about a lot of people but it's still so much work to insure that even 1 person (you) doesn't know which is playing and that the levels are matched. It doesn't even matter to me because if I could afford separates, I would have separates. The beauty of some sort of controlled repeatable test would be that you )~a subjectivist~) would have more credibility. As it stands now, your claims are easily argued and the discussion quickly falls apart.

I'm not really expecting it to happen, I'm just saying that I would like for it to happen. I'm going to buy a lottery ticket and if I win, you, Warp and fmw are gonna meet.

 

[Adam]

I'll PM you a picture.

My eyes, my EYES!!!

BTW - woah, Alex had two serious posts in one thread. I think that the devil is feeling a bit chilly this morning.

As for the claims, I think that people aren't calling them on that because there are quantifiable reasons why a more powerful amp would sound different. I think that people get hung up on power cords because they can't reason why it would make any difference. My opinion is that I don't care why someone thinks that there system is better - as long as they believe it, then it's better to them. As long as those beliefs don't hurt other people, then I don't have any issue with that.

In Warp's case, it was two people and not one. His son didn't know that he had disconnected the amp, but the system sounded different to him. Not a controlled test, I know - but still something to consider.

 

[Alex2507]

Warp's 2 people are still looking at a gaping hole maybe or are possibly use to turning the volume to -27.5dB or the channels aren't calibrated or the speakers are in fact too much for the rec'r due to ohms or phase or or or ...

Warp has been compromised. Bias Alert!!!

 

[cfrizz]

You couldn't get a better test. Warp's son doesn't know all the intricacies of a well set up system and I doubt that he would care. He simply was watching & listening to whatever & noticed a big difference in the sound & that something was wrong!

He didn't go to his father and say "Dad, where's the amp? Why is there a space where that big box used to be." I doubt he even SAW that it was gone. He just HEARD that something was missing.

One's ears is all anyone needs to here a difference.

Warp it's GREAT that you are teaching the difference between a good system & a boombox! Oh yeah he REALLY IS going to need a good job!

In Warp's case, it was two people and not one. His son didn't know that he had disconnected the amp, but the system sounded different to him. Not a controlled test, I know - but still something to consider.

 

[Warpdrv]

Honestly I am not really concerned about double blind testing this whole scenario and I could care less if my less then scientific comparison or conclusion has any merit, it was just kind of funny how it all came about, it was completely dark in that room, and you can't really notice the gaping hole when its all dark behind the console, I just fired up the system to have some ambiance music in the background while I was cooking. My son has a regular rude habit to just waltz on into the room and help himself to the system regardless that I was listening to music. He puts on Jurassic Park 3 and skips to his favorite scenes. He's in there for a while then comes in by me...

He said it again to me last night, but that was well after he knows that the amp was missing, but I do have to say I can trust his ears to be even a bit better then mine as I'm getting older.

There certainly is no question IMO that there is loss of headroom and clarity.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...
The fact that the rabid DBT'ers are holding still for this....

No. Because they didn't like what they saw up there.
I'll PM you a picture.

I had my shots

Also, perhaps those aliens would discard that corn hole and all its tubing, like we do with animal products

 

[Adam]

Also, perhaps those aliens would discard that corn hole and all its tubing, like we do with animal products

Hmmm. Alex's intestines used as liners for Alex hot dogs? Eek.

I don't know about you all, but I'm going to have a wide assortment of non-Adam foods around when "they" arrive. If they start seasoning me with spices, though, I'll be adding a little iron to their diet.

 

[Djizasse]

You changed amplifiers. Is it possible that the first was coloring the sound more to your son's taste? If the first amp was configured (EQ) to have a neutral response and the second was also configured for neutral, would there be still a difference in sound?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

My wife said that the music sounded boring but she saw a hole in the credenza and missing amp. I doubt that she knew it was an amp missing nor does she know what an amp is for.

I find it interesting that Warp and I both have rooms ~8,000 cubic/ft and we both run Studio 100's. I would say we need the headroom.

 

[Warpdrv]

You changed amplifiers. Is it possible that the first was coloring the sound more to your son's taste? If the first amp was configured (EQ) to have a neutral response and the second was also configured for neutral, would there be still a difference in sound?

Sure, or maybe the amp section of the Pioneer is just crappier then the Rotel, and the speakers responded better with a dedicated 200wpc amp then this mediocre receiver.....

You decide....

 

[Alex2507]

I find it interesting that Warp and I both have rooms ~8,000 cubic/ft and we both run Studio 100's. I would say we need the headroom.

Based on the little bit that I have picked up on regarding these graphs:
http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/105paradigm/index2.html
your speakers hover pretty close to 3 Ohms in certain spots and pretty far out of phase in others. I think it's safe to say that you need something beyond the norm.

maybe the amp section of the Pioneer is just crappier then the Rotel,

No doubt it is. I think I'll take a closer look at your guys' amps now that those speakers have my drool flowin' pretty good.

Congrats to the you both,
Alex

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Will the amps/receivers sound as good in 10 years compared to brand new?

How often do reviewers measure, test, & audition amps that are 10 years old?

 

[cfrizz]

No reason why they shouldn't, unless something gives out on them. My old Rotel system sounded as good as when I first got them until they died 16 years later.

My main speakers just turned 19 & sound as good now as the day I first brought them home.

Not everything has to be tested. You simply have to trust your ears.

Will the amps/receivers sound as good in 10 years compared to brand new?

How often do reviewers measure, test, & audition amps that are 10 years old?