Audiophile's Guide to the Galaxy
The Catalog of All Known High-End Audio Amplifiers

Collected & Compiled by
Audio Federation
The Best and Nothing but the Best
For the Music Lover in All of Us

Our ever-evolving list, in order, of recommended
SOLID STATE AMPLIFIERS		 TUBED AMPLIFIERS
     
 
Edge Electronics
Reference Monoblocks $125,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 800 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 1600 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 3200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel >50 amperes
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 4000 VA
Output transistor type 24 NPN Bipolar Transistors
Slew rate 120 Volts per microsecond
Other  
NL Signature One Monoblocks $31,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 800 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel 41.67 amperes
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 3000 VA
Output transistor type 32 NPN Bipolar Transistors
Slew rate 120 Volts per microsecond
Other  
   
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 225 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 450 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel 27.73 amperes
Maximum peak curren/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 1000 VA
Output transistor type 12 NPN Bipolar Transistors
Slew rate 120 Volts per microsecond
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE:
The prime example of the latest wave of solidstate amplifiers, those that are able to render microdynamics and smoothness like a tube amp, but have the slam and convenience of soldstate. No solidstate 'glare' or harshness, and all this is accomplished without sacrificing detail or clarity.

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed 90
Detail 90
Smoothness 90
Clarity 90
Agility 90
Solidity 85
Air 95
Slam 85
Naturalness 90
Enjoyability 90
Microdynamics 90
Macrodynamics 85
Glareless 95
Power 90
Drive 90
Ergonomics 90
Hours spent with amplifiers: > 1000 Systems heard with amplifiers: 6 1435
Recommended Speakers: All.
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
The Absolute Sound issue 137 Aug/Sep 2002 NL Signature One monoblocks
The Absolute Sound issue 127, Dec 2000/ Jan 2001 NL 10
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Lamm Industries
M1.1 Hybrid Monoblocks $17,290.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 300 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 200 watts
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel 5 amperes
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type MOSFET Transistors
Slew rate 32 Volts per microsecond
Other Class A
M2.1 Hybrid Monoblocks $16,490.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 600 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 400 watts
Continuous curren/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel 7.07 amperes
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate 40 volts per microsecond
Other Class A/AB
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 1 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 TBD
Recommended Speakers: All but the most inefficient (for example MBL speakers rated at 80 db efficiency).
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Stereophile M2.1
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Halcro
dm68 Monoblocks $35,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 225 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms >400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel 12 amperes
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate 100 volts per microsecond
Other  
dm58 Monoblocks $25,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms >350 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel 12 amperes
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate 100 volts per microsecond
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: Is not designed for speakers with large impedance swings or impedances that go below 4 ohms (as described in the manual, downloadable from the Halcro website). This prevents the amps from sounding their best on many popular speakers.

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed 85
Detail 85
Smoothness 85
Clarity 80
Agility 80
Solidity 80
Air 80
Slam 80
Naturalness 70
Enjoyability 80
Microdynamics 80
Macrodynamics 80
Glareless 85
Power 75
Drive 20
Ergonomics 95
Hours spent with amplifiers: 3 Systems heard with amplifiers: 3 1290
Recommended Speakers: Wilson Sophia, Watt/Puppy 7, Grand Slamm (very easy to drive speakers). Do not recommend Wilson Maxx (or other somewhat hard to drive speakers).
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Stereophile dm68
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
darTZeel
NHB-108 Model One $14,141
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 160 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 160 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 100 watts
Continuous current/channel 8 amperes
Maximum peak current/channel 25 amps/20ms, 40 amps/10 ms, 100 amps/1ms, ...
Transformer size/channel 300VA toroid wound on a 450VA core
Output transistor type One pair bipolar transistors
Slew rate 100  volts per microsecond (peak to peak)
Other Open loop output stage, no input feedback,
6 transistors junctions from in to out, more than 1MHz bandwidth
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Accuphase
M-8000 Monoblocks $27,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 250 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 500 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 1000 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 2000 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 310 watts
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 1500 V/A (3000 max)
Output transistor type 22 push-pull MOSFET transistors
Slew rate N/A
Other  
A-50V $15,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 50 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 400 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 500 V/A (1000 max)
Output transistor type 10 push-pull MOSFET transistors
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed 70
Detail 70
Smoothness 80
Clarity 70
Agility 80
Solidity 80
Air 75
Slam 85
Naturalness 70
Enjoyability 85
Microdynamics 70
Macrodynamics 80
Glareless 80
Power 80
Drive 90
Ergonomics 85
Hours spent with amplifiers: 10 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 1250
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Goldmund
Goldmund Millennium Mono Power Amplifier (Subscription Only) Monoblocks $49,900.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 600 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other JOB3 circuitry
Mimesis 29.4M Millennium Edition Monblocks $21,500.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 350 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 350 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 350 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 175 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 500 watts
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel 28 amperes
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate >200 volts per microsecond
Other JOB3 circuitry
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
AudioReview.com 29.4
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
FM Acoustics
Resolution Series 811Monoblocks $59,800.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 440 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 750 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate 50 volts per microsecond
Other Class A
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
The Absolute Sound  
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Hovland
Radia $9,500.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 125 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 1/2 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Karan
KA-PAM 1200 Monoblocks ?
? Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 1200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 2000 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 3600 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other  
KA-PAS 450 Monoblocks ?
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 360 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 600 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 1000 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel 400 amperes
Transformer size/channel 1200 VA
Output transistor type 20 RET transistors
Slew rate N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
The Absolute Sound  
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
EAR
M100 A Monoblocks $35,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 100 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms 100 watts
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other Class A
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Hi-Fi News & Record Review, December 2001 M100 A Amplifier and 312 Preamplifier
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Boulder
2050 Monoblocks
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 1000 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 1000 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 1000 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms 2000 (4 ohms), 4000 (2 ohms)
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 2 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 TBD
Recommended Speakers: All (especially the Avalon line of speakers, which are also manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, and to which these were tuned).
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Stereophile 2050
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Linn
Klimax 500 Solo Monoblocks $19,000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 290 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 500 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other Switch-mode power supply
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed 90
Detail 90
Smoothness 75
Clarity 80
Agility 75
Solidity 80
Air 85
Slam 80
Naturalness 65
Enjoyability 80
Microdynamics 85
Macrodynamics 80
Glareless 60
Power 75
Drive 50
Ergonomics 90
Hours spent with amplifiers: 2 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 1240
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Stereophile Klimax 500 Solo
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Jeff Rowland Design Group
Model 12 Monoblocks  
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 350 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type N/A
Slew rate N/A
Other Switch-mode power supply
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A
We really wanted to include the 9ti monoblocks on this list, but they are no longer being manufactured.

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Accustic Arts
AMP II-AC [High Performance] Stereo Amplifier $8,500.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 240 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 600 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel 1100 VA
Output transistor type 12 MOSFET transistors
Slew rate N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 4 Systems heard with amplifiers: 2 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
   
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Parasound
JC-1 Monoblocks $6000.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 400 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 800 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms 1200 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current/channel N/A
Maximum peak current/channel 135 amperes
Transformer size/channel 1900 VA
Output transistor type 18 bipolar transistors
Slew rate >130 volts per microsecond
Other 25 watts class A, user switchable to 10 watts
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: For the price, it's hard to beat.

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 1/10 Systems heard with amplifiers: 1 TBD
Recommended Speakers:
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
Stereophile JC-1
   
 
     
     
     
     
     
 
Ayre
V-5x Monoblocks $4500.00
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 8 ohms 150 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 4 ohms 300 watts
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 2 ohms N/A
Continuous RMS watts/channel into 1 ohms N/A
Maximum peak watts/channel into 8 ohms N/A
Continuous current draw/channel N/A
Maximum peak current draw/channel N/A
Transformer size/channel N/A
Output transistor type 16 bipolar transistors
Slew rate N/A
Other  
 
 
 

OUR TAKE: N/A

Company Sound* Rating 1 (poor) to 100 (fantastic)
Speed TBD
Detail TBD
Smoothness TBD
Clarity TBD
Agility TBD
Solidity TBD
Air TBD
Slam TBD
Naturalness TBD
Enjoyability TBD
Microdynamics TBD
Macrodynamics TBD
Glareless TBD
Power TBD
Drive TBD
Ergonomics TBD
Hours spent with amplifiers: 0 Systems heard with amplifiers: 0 TBD
Recommended Speakers: All, except the most difficult to drive (especially the Avalon line of speakers, which are also manufactured in Boulder, Colorado, and to which these were tuned).
 
OTHER TAKES
Reviewers Reviews
SoundStage! V-5x
   
 
     
     
     
     
     

 

*Glossary/Legend
Company Sound* Most company's amplifiers have a sound that is similar to each other. This is what we are referring to as the 'Company Sound'.
Speed This refers to the amplifier's ability to resond immediately to a signal from the preamplifier. The faster the better - the notes are all produced when they are supposed to be, regardless of their frequency in addition to the beginning of the formation of each note proceeds similarly, as dictated by the input signal from the preamplifier.
Detail This refers to both the ability to produce all the notes, even the very quiet ones, as dictated by the input signal, as well how accurate the change in timbre of each note, while the note is playing, is rendered - i.e. the details inside each note.
Smoothness This refers to the ability of the amplifer to transition from note to note. This combined with speed is often call PRaT (pacing, rhythm, and timing)
Clarity This refers to both the lack of background noise, as well as the ability of the amplifier to stop and start each note on time - i..e to not smear them together (often done in the pursuit of smoothness)
Agility This refers to the ability to play large number of notes simultaneously, for example orchestral scores, while keeping each note as distinct and accurate as it would be if it was all by itself.
Solidity This refers to the imaging and soundstaging abilities of the amplifier - how well it makes instruments sound solid enough to touch and 'see'.
Air This refers to the quality of the treble rendered by the amplifier.
Slam This refers to the quality of the bass rendered by the amplifier.
Naturalness This refers to how 'real' the music sounds. This, combined with 'enjoyability' are often refered to as 'musicality'.
Enjoyability This refers to the very subjective interpretation by a listener of how enjoyable the amplifier is. We try to score this one not only based on our ears, but how enthusiastic the owners of the amplifer are about its positive qualities.
Microdynamics This refers to the ability of the amplifier to accurately render the dynamic envelope of a single note correctly - note that this includes dynamic (loudness) changes that occur inside the note while it is being played.
Macrodynamics This refers to the ability of the amplifier to accurately render the large scale dynamics of many notes playing at once.
Glareless This refers to the ability of the amplifier to avoid sounding harsh, brittle, tizzy, bright and all the other negative aspects associated with most solidstate amplifiers over the last 40 years.
Power This refers to the ease and authority the amplifer has when rendering notes and music.
Drive This refers to how well the speaker can drive a nominally hard to drive speaker.
Ergonomics This refers to the ease of use and attractiveness of the amplifier - is it nice on the eyes, is it easy to position and fit in a rack, does it run cool enough to use in the summer in a non-airconditioned house.

Copyright (c) AudioFederation
May 1, 2003