Thank you!
I have recently noticed a shift in how I think about high-end audio.
For a long time, my goal was to get the most “musical” sound possible. But what does “musical” really mean? The more I researched, the more I realized that much of what people describe as musicality is simply coloration added by the equipment.
I borrowed a pair of Pass Labs XA100.8 monoblocks and they sounded great, but mostly just different from my own Musical Fidelity A5.5. Then I borrowed a Benchmark AHB2. Again, excellent, but not a night-and-day difference. That made me question how much of what I thought I was hearing came from expectation and my own psychology.
Reading about controlled blind tests and ABX comparisons was eye-opening. The more I looked into it, the more it seemed that competently designed amplifiers are often much more alike than different when operated within their limits.
I have now come to the point where I simply want equipment that is technically as transparent and accurate as possible, mostly for my own peace of mind, and then let the speakers and room acoustics determine the character of the sound.
For that reason I am leaning toward the Purifi 1ET9040BA modules for my Analysis Audio Omega ribbons. The AHB2 drove them very well, but I cannot quite shake the feeling that the extra current and power reserve of the 1ET9040BA is a more logical match for a difficult ribbon load.
Realistically, at my listening levels of around 85–90 dB, even a lower-powered Purifi such as the 1ET6525SA or even the Eigentakt ET400A would probably be more than sufficient. But I know myself: I would always keep wondering whether I should simply have chosen the 9040.
I am still rather new to this path so I still will be learning. I recently sold my expensive streamer and dac and went with a wiim ultra and a benchmark dac3L. First investment now is room acoustics. First a wall of fwd-diffusers on the front wall. Then measurements and look at further acoustic improvements (first reflections and the sidewall, ceiling, floor etc.) Then a trinnov nova to further improve the sound because my room is not ideal and assymetrical. Then some nice poweramps and subwoofers.
Edit. sorry for the long reply
