Which is the best Audio Amplifier?(Without audiophoolery!!)

[Old Sparky]

For several years now I have used a  Sony TA_D505 (part of a s/h Sony System) and am quite pleased with it, apart from the gimmicky 'Hall', 'Disco', 'Symphony', etc. controls.  Before that I haad a Pioneer VSX500RDS receiver, which gave a good account of itself until one channel failed.  With my repairman's hat on, I have worked on, and listened to various NAD, Cambridge Audio,  Quad, etc', solid stae amps, plus, ages ago, an Audion Valve Amplifier, a Music Angel  Valve amp., and various others.  I also once owned a Sharp SG 500E, which, IMHO, was very good in all respects, but I wonder what amplifier(s), Receiver(s), etc., would other members rate highly?  I realize this is a 'How long is a piece of string?' question, but there it is.  If I didn't have the Sony System, I'd probably opt for a NAD or maybe a Cambridge amp to use with tuner, Cassette & CD.

[alanworland]

I bought a Quad 33, FM3 and 303 back in 1970! and with my large KEF speakers was the heart of my system. I remember my mother in law coming round and experiencing what she thought was thunder! It was of course a lovely extended bass response!  A change dictated a replacement lounge 'system' and I opted for Rotel RA 02 amp, RCD 02 tuner and RT 02 tuner with my KEF's being replaced with a pair of Quad 22 L's.
Very pleased with it all (all bought secondhand) but have to turn the bass down a tad as the lounge is obviously less than ideal and has a low frequency standing wave.
My Quad system is relagated to my computer room with the addition of a pair of (secondhand again) Quad 12 L speakers which also preform very well.
I have just re capped and swapped out various transistors for low noise replacements in both the Quad pre and power amp and the improvement is unbelievable!
I guess over the years a gradual deterioration of components has taken place which because it's so slow I didn't really notice but now it's back performing as it should it has transformed the listening.
Not sure if any of that helps - just my two peneth's worth!

Alan

[Old Sparky]

Thanks for the comments, Alan,
As I noted, I've never owned any Quad gear, but over the years have repaired a few of their products, and have always found them to be good performers. Being 76, I doubt if my hearing would notice the difference in performance if I upgtaded, besides which, though it may be sacrilege to say so, I've never been a HiFi Fanatic. My speakers, for example, are a pair of Sharp 3-way ones whih I kept when the SG500E had to be abandoned, though I replaced the original woofers a few years ago with a pair having rubber roll surrounds (The foam surrounds on the original woofers had disintegrated as these things do) To me my set up sounds quite good, whether listening to radio, Cassette, CD or Vinyl records. The latter are played on my TEAC PX300 DD Turntable, b.t.w

[Murphyv310]

Hi.
Rather an open question really. It's like asking what's the best washing machine or car. To me it depends on your needs, your home, its acoustics, your finances and many other things to consider. I have for example a NAD amp, I also have a Leak amp and Troughline FM Tuner and other Hi-Fi units.
I though stick with my home built Mullard 3-3 Stereo valve amp, a Chapman tuner and home made stereo decoder, a CD player and D to A converter to use it for TV sound, all fed to Tannoy speakers. This for me gives a nice sound which I am more than happy with, i don't like my sound loud but I do like decent quality.

[Old Sparky]

I did say that my question was like asking 'How Long is a piece of string, TBH. That having been said, I'm quite content with my now almost 20 years old Sony Separates System, to which I added my TEAC DD Turntable and a New TEAC Twin deck Cassette recorder almost 10 years ago, so feel no urge to change or upgrade any of the components, unless one should become irreparable if and when it fails.

[Murphyv310]

Hi Sparky.
Indeed that IS the point, its what you yourself are most happy with. My NAD is a good enough amp but I feel it's bottom end is lacking the Home made 3-3 has a subtle mod that gives it significant treble boost where my hearing tails off (7kHz) and above so other than an expensive graphic equaliser the 3-3 is perfect listening requirements.

[Wireless John]

Gosh, is it really five years since I posted on this forum? Back in at the deep end it is then..
I love my Cambridge Audio A5 because a) it has a lovely, crisp sound and brings my 6 Ohm JPW Mini Monitors to life in a way that even some of the supposedly far better gear to have passed through my hands just couldn't manage to match and b) the A5 was free as it was broken and would have ended up scrapped had I not taken pity on it. Free is my favourite price and free stuff always sounds good..

 

Oh, and a piece of string is four feet three and three quarter inches in length, this I know as I just found one and measured it, which surely makes this a universal truth.