I think I understand what
SashaR is talking about.
I have 2x LA 90 in mono mode.
The scheme is as follows: PC -> RME ADI2 DAC FS -> Nuemann KH750 -> LA90 -> Dynaudio Countour 2.0i.
These speakers from Dynaudio are known for their demanding amplifier requirements. The manufacturer stated that its sensitivity is 86 dB (I doubt it).
Dynaudio speakers subjectively sound better when the volume is higher. There are more high frequencies and overall the sound is more intelligible and rich. I don't listen to music loudly most of the time, and at low volumes the speakers seem dull and voices are less intelligible.
I also have a set of
Polk Audio R200 Reserve speakers. The manufacturer also claims that they have a sensitivity of 86 dB. For experimental purposes, I replaced Dinaudio with Polk R200 and listened to music on these speakers all week.
The Polk R200 sounds louder and BRIGHTER than the Dynaudio! Treble and detail are present even at lower volumes. But this is just my subjective opinion.
To understand what has changed, you need to look at the measurements, which is what I did.
Here is a graph of the frequency response of both speakers along with the sub in an unequalized state. VAR smoothing. The jagged frequency response is not important here; It's more important to understand why some speakers are brighter than others
at the same DAC volume level.
The R200 is louder, which confirms subjective perception and measurements. I even had to turn it down (-3.4 dB) so that the frequency response graphs were at the same SPL level.
What about distortion?
As you can see, the Polk Audio R200 is a bit worse in the high frequencies. But I don't sure could I be able to hear this at all.
What conclusion did I draw for myself?
This amplifier has nothing to do with the brightness or dullness of certain frequencies.
SPEAKERS are responsible for this. Some are more difficult to swing, meaning they are less sensitive (for example, because they are larger and speaker drivers weigh more). It is also important how the speakers interact with the room (the presence or absence of an SBIR effect for part of the frequency range). And ultimately – the volume level. Anything louder sounds better.
It is pity I don't have another amplifier (but I planned to buy
this or something else later).
If I'm not mistaken,
SashaR has not yet provided any objective measurements of his system, except for his own subjective feelings, which can be very inaccurate or false. For example, how would you know that you set the volume level on different amplifiers to the same level if you didn't measure?
So my advice is to start measuring and share your measurements with us
.
