Hello everyone,, I was browsing this subreddit when I came across a debate involving whether or not different amps sound different when played through equal signal chains.
Personally, before I read this thread, I held the belief that of course they did. When I first got into the hobby, I had an older 90’s 2 channel Onkyo amp, and when I eventually upgraded to a Pioneer SX-727, in the same system, I was blown away at the amount of improvement I noticed. Eventually, when the Pioneer bit the dust, I changed over to a Sony GX-808es, and while I was still pleased with the sound, the signature definitely sounded different than the Pioneer, so much so that I’m confident I could have determined which amp was which in a double blind test.
However, all of the science makes sense to me for why amps should sound the same provided they are operating in their undistorted performance envelope. I’m curious what your thoughts are on the matter.
Speakers are the missing link. Some speakers are relatively easy to drive and your Pioneer SX727 might work well. Connect the same amp to some low sensitivity panels or Electro stats and you might have a different opinion.
If you are Dead Set on owning a receiver? Try the OUTLAW RR2160 which will be a piece of lasting value.
BTW? I OWNED a SX727 and couldn't wait to rid myself of it. FM tuner would NOT hold a frequency and even out in the open air and not running hot, would drift off-frequency. At about 40 a side? (really less) It was only a so-so amp. Where did you find one that still worked?