I'll use this thread as my personal blog in The Quest to find The Answer to The Question about Amplifiers. My subjective one, informed by the best science known to me. Both the question and the answer are to be figured out, my first revision of the question is: "What are the audible differences between different power amplifiers?"
I have a few amps laying around and using my near-field to mid-field desk setup of KEF R3, I'm equipped with all gadgets and cables to make a proper comparison of amplifiers using my own ears.
Disclaimer: I'm not an electrical engineer, not even an experienced audio enthusiast. I'm doing this test for my own understanding and education and to compare the gear I have at hand. I'm also not picking favorites here - each of these amps work great for its intended purpose and is a part of an audio system in my home.
Products involved
Diagram of the setup
Picture
Status so far
Volume matching is a serious challenge, still working to confirm I'm within 0.1dB.
Heard distinct differences between Purifi and Hypex and between Purifi and Onkyo AVR so far with my best attempts in volume matching.
Details on specifics comparisons and exact settings will follow.
Updates from the thread below
I have a few amps laying around and using my near-field to mid-field desk setup of KEF R3, I'm equipped with all gadgets and cables to make a proper comparison of amplifiers using my own ears.
Disclaimer: I'm not an electrical engineer, not even an experienced audio enthusiast. I'm doing this test for my own understanding and education and to compare the gear I have at hand. I'm also not picking favorites here - each of these amps work great for its intended purpose and is a part of an audio system in my home.
Products involved
- March Audio P452 Class D amplifier using Purifi 1ET400A chip with Alan's custom input buffer. Amir's review of a comparable model by Nord, I expect P452 to measure not too far from it.
- Buckeye NC502MP Class D amplifier using all-in-one mains-powered Hypex module. Amir's review, teardown.
- AIYIMA A07 Class D amplifier using Texas Instruments TPA3255 chip with 32V 5A power supply. Amir's review.
- Onkyo TX-NR737 AVR with 125W Class AB amplifiers. No measurements are available to my knowledge, looking for comparable ones for reference.
Diagram of the setup
Picture
Status so far
Volume matching is a serious challenge, still working to confirm I'm within 0.1dB.
Heard distinct differences between Purifi and Hypex and between Purifi and Onkyo AVR so far with my best attempts in volume matching.
Details on specifics comparisons and exact settings will follow.
Updates from the thread below
- Level-matched Purifi vs Onkyo with oscilloscope, not hearing differences afterwards, continuing to listen.
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