Bwahahahahaha.

 

Hi guys!
Interesting reading.
I'm running a Blade G1254 amp right now. Iwas going to purchase a Tube Driver Hybrid amp, but when I listened to it (against the blade on the same set up in the same environment I could not justify the difference to spend $2000c. It was definitly a BEAUTIFUL amp....still think about...dream about.......................oooppps dropped my wallet!

 

We finally have really interesting discussions here in the SQ forum. Good job! [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

 

I was just curious what you meant by the amp having "great pace and rythm"? Still have lots to learn about SQ as Chadxton will tell you!

 

Do I tell knowledgeable SQ people they need to learn more about SQ? [img]graemlins/freak.gif[/img] [img]tongue.gif[/img]

 

I can only see one ear

 

Well, what is pace and rhythm, easier to talk about then define. I first heard the term used for audio in Stereophile (http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?23)
The crux of the issue is in the first paragraph
"Martin Colloms (footnote 1) suggests: does the component dilute the recording's musical meaning?". Pace and rhythm are the ebb and flow of the music, if you have ever heard a poorly set/designed Q (or the dreaded one note bass or an over damped system) then even though the RTA is flat as a table the music will sound ... er...unfun. When you buy new gear there is always the "does this thing rock?" test... does it make you tap your feet etc. IMHO the music that best embodies this effect is Latin music or the Beastie Boys.

 

Good explanation, thanks JohnVroom! Appreciate it. [img]smile.gif[/img]

 

Music consists of rythm, harmonies, and melodies. A decent home or car audio system should reproduce all of these elements of music with minimal distortion. If it does infact reproduce these elements, you will get a sensation of "happiness" while listening to your system. It will make you feel "wonderful", "sensational", "fantastic". It should "move you emotionally" when listening to your favorite songs.

A decent stereo system should (and you may think I'm crazy for saying this) "improve your life". Otherwise, there is no point in spending so much money, time and effort. You will yearn to listen to it when you're away from it.

Pace and rythm, as JohnVroom mentioned above, is an important part of all of this.

 

Good to hear a bunch of ppl into Tubes. But how come everyone left out Sonic Frontiers from the home audio list? Canadian and amazing sounging! Too bad they're not making them anymore. I have been listening to my Butlers for a tad over two years now and have not found a more natural sounding amp. I'm not in for the super sharp highs and don't expect them to push the subs (solid states are fine for subs). The butlers, although hybrid, do carry a noticeable tube characteristic and it brings out the vocals just beautifully. I haven't heard another solidstate to match... not audison nor mcintosh. But music being so subjective... well, ya. I'd like to hear a milbert though... but hard to come by.

And although I truly love my tubes, I'll be listing them in the for sale because of financial reasons. Quite sad I have to give them up... >(