In Reply to: There *is* a reason folks emphasize the speakers... posted by rlw on December 30, 2007 at 11:40:00:
the amp does a lot more than amplify the signal, - it adds tonal character: (of course, some amps add more tonal character than others. It also is important HOW the amplifier drives the speakers. As is the case here, an amplifier with higher current does a, (most people recognize), BETTER job with the N802s than a lower current could. An amplifier does a whole lot more than just add gain to a signal, - it also plays a major role in creating a soundstage... And if you've ever compared the same brand of integrated amp, to its pre-amp/stereo power amp combo, and then again to its pre-amp/mono-blocks combo, - (if a company does that), - in most cases you'll notice an improvement in imaging, stereo separation, and "relaxed," natural character as you go up the line. For example: as great an amp as the Manley Stingray is, - its bigger brother the NeoClassic 250 or 500 monoblocks are considerably better. And as great as the Manley Stingray is, - there's no way that it should be mated with the N802.
As many will tell you, the N802 really needs to be throttled with a balls to the wall amplifier. Some speakers respond well to an amp that doubles it's wpc with a doubling in resistance. Some speakers, - like horns, - don't care as much...
Still, I would've been more correct to say that it's important to no overemphasize the importance of speakers at the expense of a holistic system approach.
At the end of the day, the R&D, topology, and individual parts that make up the amplification are justifiably as costly as a well designed speaker.
in my opinion....Thin man, in a powder blue suit, with eyes that slice you right through. The cut of his clothes are strange indeed, a hundred years too soon.
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Follow Ups
- Good point but...... - Sordidman 14:59:16 12/30/07 (0)