How many amps does one need?

[dave2010]

I wonder if one gradually gets used to the sound of an amp, and then wants to move on, perhaps even back to the previous model, or the one before that?

Do people on these boards always upgrade, with audible improvements, or do they sometimes swap around and enjoy the change each time? Or maybe not!

[YNWaN]

People often think the grass is greener on the other side - sometimes they even convince themselves that it is; does that address your question?

[Welder]

You only need that seriously awesome one you just bought that has made a night and day difference to your system ;)

(bit like girlfiends really :eyebrows:)

[Tim]

You only need that seriously awesome one you just bought that has made a night and day difference to your system ;)
Yup and right now I have it :)

But I'm not a box swapper and it does often take me ages to make up my mind, but then it's normally around for years. My next few purchases will be my final destination system and I already know what that is, so my work here is done really ;)

[bobbasrah]

You buy seriously awesome girlfriends John?

[Haselsh1]

I find I love the sound of my Icon Audio valve amp around 90% of the time but just occasionally I need some guts, some welly and some damn VOLUME...!!!

[Chivas]

I find I love the sound of my Icon Audio valve amp around 90% of the time but just occasionally I need some guts, some welly and some damn VOLUME...!!!

The MB845 MKII sounds like your new girlfriend then...? Or mistress at least as long as you can afford to keep her before you go back to the wife with little less welly but cheaper... :stalks:

[Welder]

Those two statements are important here!
The art of making a better amplifier is a very slow moving technology. When I say slow, I mean glacially slow. Your extra £100 for this year's model over last years model is so often spent on trying to keep it the same by using cheaper components or methods. The result may be different, but it's not often all that better.
If you want proof of how slow moving amp design is, then take a look at an amp like this one (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14164), which is currently for sale on AoS. Do a little Googling to learn a bit about just what a fantastic bit of kit it is & then try to work out how much you would have to spend on a new amp to better it.
Here's a clue: There's a pound sign on the left, but the decimal point is w-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-y over there to the right!



One of the more sensible comments regarding amplifiers imo.

As for the tongue in cheek “girlfiend” comment :)


You buy seriously awesome girlfriends John?

Sure, when I can afford them ;)

Yer man Chivas seems to have it sorted.


The MB845 MKII sounds like your new girlfriend then...? Or mistress at least as long as you can afford to keep her before you go back to the wife with little less welly but cheaper... :stalks:

The problem was I couldn’t afford the wife either :doh: