Originally Posted by
RothwellAudio
No, I don't think there is - other than listening to the equipment. The difference between a 50 watt integrated amp that sounds sublime and one that's just ok has very little to do with how expensive the components inside are and everything to do with how elegant and well-implemented the design is.
I remember seeing years ago a DNM pre-amp with what appeared to be a ludicrously complex circuit board with not many components on it but a vast number of tracks. Now I appreciate what it was all about.
Indeed. Audiophiles obsess far too much on "component quality" and "boutique capacitors" etc. The design of the circuitry itself, the ground layout and the correct provision of power at Point Of Load completely swamps any effects from fancy components.
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