n2audio 5,000+ posts
OPTIDRIVEN
In this discussion, topology just refers to the class of the amp. A, A/B, D, BD, X, T etc.By topology, you mean? Mathematical difference? Is this relevant? Perhaps I am misunderstanding what you mean, Squeak. Are you implying that one amplifier does not have tonal differences from another? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif
When comparing amps that are level matched to produce the same power...
Yes, that's what he's saying. This is an age old debate.
It goes something like this...
Amplifiers don't "reproduce" sound. They take a voltage, they amplify it, they deliver it to speakers. Speakers reproduce sound.
The technically illiterate, and those otherwise unwilling to accept the validity of some easily understood measurements want to believe the sound from a $500 "high end" 100x2 amp will without a doubt have OBVIOUS sound quality advantages over the run-of-the-mill $100 100x2 amp.
Carefully controlled double blind listening tests have proven, repeatedly beyond a reasonable doubt that those differences just aren't there. This has been done in the car audio segment as well as home.
From what I understand class A's DO color the output a little bit due primarily to a low damping factor. It has been suggested that such coloration can be duplicated simply by adding a small resistor to the spkr outputs on a standard a/b amp.
The debate's been had 1000 times - a lot of the time by engineers and industry professionals with WAY more comprehension of the subject than I (and probably 99% of this forum) will ever have.
The engineer types will always stand on the science and the golden ears will never accept the science.