Do Expensive Amplifiers Sound Better than Cheaper ones?

We discuss if price determines sound quality and performance in audio amplifiers. What does more money get you and what performance metrics determine sound quality? Be sure to watch this Youtube video overview and read our related article.

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#amplifiers #audiophile #stereo

[Chabulawa]

Thanks for telling the short quick answer right at the beginning, and than telling details why. I like that way of answering the questions

[bolsesolheim]

Gene is such a nice guy ! No snobbery or condescending yapping! He is a decent engineer and I always like his topics !

[NickPavlica]

I recently upgraded my amp from an older multi channel class A/B amp with PS Audio Stellar M1200 hybrid amps. The improvement was dramatic and has brought a new level of enjoyment to my home theater. I was on the fence about class D, but when done well they can be truly fantastic. I almost went with a more budget friendly option, but sacrificed getting more gear for better gear and I’m happy I did. We all wish we could afford the really high end stuff, but finding good equipment for a reasonable budget, by comparison, is a true blessing.

[pandafone]

One of the most educational channels on hifi available. Thank you for all the things I've learned from you.

[timbathras]

I run a set of Class D monoblocks, the PS Audio Stellar M700's, and I'm very happy with them. I use them to drive a pair of Magnepan 1.7i's; a speaker that "traditionally" people recommend Class AB for, but these amps really make them sing.

[aussie]

My number one hate of the high end stereo amps is NO TONE CONTROL!!! Add a tone control but just add a bypass for those that think it is detrimental to the sound output. I don’t want to just listen to audiophile albums I want to listen to albums I like and when those albums are recorded bright or low then I need to have a bass and treble tone control.

[themaster]

Nice video, now follow it up with an episode of some specific amp recommendations by price range and it will be even better. 😉

[snowfiend_]

I dropped $2K on a Rotel RB-1582 mk II. That thing is 39 lbs. I never heard an amp sound so smooth and push 4 ohm speakers so effortlessly. I’m happy!

[murci]

Hey Gene... I'm looking to build a dedicated movie theater in my home this year. Your videos have been very helpful. I really appreciate your content.

[stevenjackson]

And absolutely agreed about how much audio performance has improved for the money over the last handful of years. Revolutionary. There's never been a better time for audio value than today.

[tonykindred]

I confess I really didn't expect such a well thought out explanation. Thanks Gene.

[unclepete]

I bought an Outlaw model 5000 thanks to you and HE-MAN. Best purchase...$450
I owe you 1!!
Headroom and dynamics define themselves.

[carlosottovondermeden]

I have a Rotel Ra 1572 integrated amplifier with Kef R300 speakers and sound fantastic.

[philmay]

I just bumped into your channel today and I must say it was a revelation. Finally, someone who tells it like it is, in a language even non technical folks can understand. Kudos to you, and I’ll spread the word. Great stuff.

[JB-hchq]

I bought Emotiva back when the the Aussie dollar was equal to US. Xpa2 drives my ultra towers without breaking a sweat! Keep up the good work Gene 👌👌

[johnreardon]

I love my Yamaha B-2. It's 44 years old, but that sound is very unique. I don't know all the specs and test results of it, but I will never sell it. It made my Cerwin Vega E-315s sound way better! No other amp has ever done that. Yes, I know that CVs aren't audiophile or revealing speakers. But that's my testimony. I paid $120 for the B-2 as junk here in Japan. It just needed a cleaning. Works perfectly fine now. Score!

[johnryan]

NAIM is by far my favorite amplifier company (they pair well with Legacy speakers). I've tried others but always return to them. I'd like to hear LFD however.

[mrcarpentersc]

Great video Gene! The more I learn the more I realize I need to learn!
I've loved home audio all my life but only in the last 5 years have I really started exploring all the differences in gear. I've been buying and selling on the used market quite bit and even rebuilding some vintage speakers.
Lots of fun and a great learning experience.
Crazy how 10 years ago I thought my Best Buy Klipsh speakers and lower power Onkyo receiver were awesome sounding equipment lol.
I look forward to more of your content!

[marcusthomas]

@Audioholics I'm a long time audioholics viewer and this is one of my fav videos. More like these Gene! I appreciate the detailed info and real world comparisons

[tylee]

You are correct. Not all Amps sound the same. I had a choice between buying a Krell KSA 100 and a Boulder (can't remember model... was a smaller amp). Dealer kept going on about how the Boulder would smoke the older Krell. I hooked both amps up to a pair of Dynaudio 5.4 S speakers. The Krell, to my ears, had better detail than the Boulder and was 100 per channels watts less. As for now, I'm using SVS Ultra speaker cable. Not what I want, but it was what I could afford at the time. Dealer told me the Boulder would've sounded better if I had better speaker wire....like the Transparent cable they sold. My system, minus speaker wire is wired with JPS cable. It's all about what sounds good to YOU. Not necessarily about price. The used Krell was $2500. The used Boulder was double that.