Well, more extended discussion here, but the facts remain the same: when power is supplied with flat 20-20KHz frequency response and inaudibly low noise and distortion, amplification is transparent, regardless of whether the unit cost $200 or $20,000. Relying on a naive "just trust your ears" type of analysis is hopeless, and when put to the only test(carefully controlled double-blind)in which the ears alone are trusted, a type of reverse-transmutation apparently occurs which turns ears of gold into tin. The classic
Stereo Review blind listening test remains unchallenged(i.e. unchallenged by solid evidence, not just stubborn refusal to face reality), although common sense should tell us that manufacturers would be loudly trumpeting favorable results(later tests similarly failed). Note the sometimes flowery description of sound qualities which disappeared when the name plates and price tags also disappeared. A combination of wishful thinking and failure to keep all variables constant(especially volume level precisely held to within 0.1dB)can easily deceive us. As Dr. Toole, at an AES meeting where he spoke on the indispensibility in audio of controlled double-blind tests, commented in an intentional bit of hyperbole: "If you can see what you're listening to, you can't hear it."
Clean amplifier power is cheap and plentiful these days and can be bought by the audio consumer for very little outlay of cash. One notable example is a unit available as a factory refurb for around $150 and which has
superb measurements which would be suitable for a $2,000(or $20,000)speaker system if the features are adequate for the buyer's needs. Money should be spent where it can make a difference, i.e. CDs, DVDs, speakers, and room treatments, not wasted in paying homage to old audiophiles' tales.
