Amplifiers & Speakers

Frequently asked questions about amplifiers and speakers, how to pair them, advantages and disadvantages of each type, etc

What are system resolution limitations and why are they important?

System resolution limitations or ‘bottlenecks’ are critically important as they define the maximum performance attainable with a given set of equipment. Think of it this way: You could have the best pair of speakers and source equipment in the world, but if your amplifier can only support a certain level of performance, maybe it has

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How do I choose a better amplifier?

Amplification is the heart of any system and to improve it, I suggest you focus on three main areas. These can be broadly grouped into: reducing integration, obtaining better-engineered/built equipment, and better bang-per-buck, meaning pre-owned, older equipment. Let’s examine each of these. Integration Integration refers to the level of stuffing of a box of electronics

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My high-end amplifier has failed, how much will repairs cost?

To answer that we need to determine precisely what’s gone wrong with it and why. This concept applies to almost all technical fields, so it’s an important one to understand. Information regarding general service and repair costs can be found in this FAQ. Speculation Electronic equipment failures are typically ‘black box’ scenarios, so you cannot

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Do you recommend new speaker terminals, RCA connectors and detachable mains cables?

Sometimes, yes and I’m happy to fit these things, but people are often surprised to learn that, from a technical perspective, there is much more to this. Many of these topics are plagued by misinformation and pseudoscience. Certain “improvements” are not actually improvements at all, and in some cases are retrograde moves. No retailer selling

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What are your thoughts on buying equipment in poor condition?

Generally speaking, I suggest you don’t. I know that everyone wants a bargain and equipment in poor physical condition is often bargain-priced. Sadly, there is no escaping the fact that equipment in poor condition tends to be less reliable and less repairable than similar gear in good condition. It also doesn’t hold value as well

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What’s the highest-fidelity amplifier design?

Class A, whether tube or solid-state, is the gold standard. Simply based on sonics and assuming it suits your system, speaker sensitivity and use case, the highest-fidelity amplifier design is class A. Speaker sensitivity combined with your amplifier’s power output determines the system dynamic range, an important consideration not to be overlooked. No Compromise Nothing

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