Anyone build their system around an amplifier?
- Thread starter caesar
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I think the more interesting question to ask is, what are the criteria for putting one's own system together. Surely everyone must have a philosophy he/she subscribes to...
Opposite here, assemble the best source your knowledge/budget allows then build from there.
Build your system around speakers you like. Find the right amp that gets the most out of them and delivers the presentation you desire. In the end any source will sound good.
Nope. I look at my music collection which covers everything except Polka (I can find a few Strauss Polkas but that doesn't count
). My music collection and my desire to experience whatever comes through my system dictates my equipment choice. This can evolve at will as long as it covers my goals listed above and below.The bottom line for me is the system has to be able to allow me to experience the music no matter if it is Bach, Corigliano, Janacek, Eric Bibb, Greg Brown, Ray Brown, SaraK, Bill Evans, Pink Floyd, Anita Baker, Solomon Burke, Joan Baez, SRV, Lee Morgan, or Whodini.
(and that was just the past few listening sessions over a couple days) Sorry Jazdoc. No scissor sisters!
Every piece of equipment I own must serve that purpose. If not, It is of no use to me. My system, however odd or unique it my seem to others, will swing and scale dynamically far beyond what would be expected in certain cases much to my delight at times and play as gentle as necessary in other cases. Most importantly, I'm not inhibited in my music choices by my equipment. That is where I want to be.
the system, like everyone else's, is not perfect of course
Dre
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Speaking for myself...not quite. But I did buy an amp that I love in my current system...but i consciously bought it also knowing it gives me the flexibility to upgrade to other speakers on my short list. I was looking at Zanden monos, Lamm ML2.2s and stayed within Gryphon family because I knew I might well move to more difficult speakers to drive, namely the big Rockport...and did not want to switch amps. the gryphon gives me loads of flexibility in that regard, and I love how it sounds with my Wilsons.
OK, will try and post the entirety of my response for the third time...Grrr!
While I largely agree with Andre regarding the goals of our equipment, I do think our choices of equipment are driven by our choices of music as well as our unique musical inner compass. If you listen to speed metal, your preference in amplification is likely to be different that someone who listens exclusively to chamber music. For most people, transducers establish the particular sound of their system and speaker choice obviously may limit the choice of amplification and visa versa. If you have to have the sound only a 45 tube can provide, then inefficient speakers aren't in your universe. Likewise, a horn guy isn't going to be in the market for a 500 watt solid state amp. IME, Shindo afficianados are the most likely to build around an amplifier. Each Shindo amp has a uinque sonic signature established by the driver tube. THe Shindo preamps have a house sound that becomes more refined as you move up the chain....
"If you don't like the Scissor Sisters you don't like fun!"
***apologies for thread drift***
While I largely agree with Andre regarding the goals of our equipment, I do think our choices of equipment are driven by our choices of music as well as our unique musical inner compass. If you listen to speed metal, your preference in amplification is likely to be different that someone who listens exclusively to chamber music. For most people, transducers establish the particular sound of their system and speaker choice obviously may limit the choice of amplification and visa versa. If you have to have the sound only a 45 tube can provide, then inefficient speakers aren't in your universe. Likewise, a horn guy isn't going to be in the market for a 500 watt solid state amp. IME, Shindo afficianados are the most likely to build around an amplifier. Each Shindo amp has a uinque sonic signature established by the driver tube. THe Shindo preamps have a house sound that becomes more refined as you move up the chain....
"If you don't like the Scissor Sisters you don't like fun!"
***apologies for thread drift***
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