But before we get into it, a couple of ground rules;
1. This IS NOT a thread to discuss or argue whether or not "all amps sound the same" and other off topic stuff.
2. Post your opinions and whatever else you like related to the topic and 'classification' i guess you could say, of the amps. If you feel some of the EXAMPLE classifications below need changing, say so and why, and feel free to add more.
3. Add pics if you like, if you own any of the amps. This is NOT an e-penis contest, but if it ends up being an exotic amp pr0n thread, then hey, im sure we will all get some 'enjoyment' out of it.
And on with the show.
So we were discussing amps the other day. I'll try and keep the intro part pretty brief.
We decided there was a couple of classifications or 'levels', and a couple that fitted those classifications were tossed around as part of the discussion. Note that the EXAMPLES listed below are just ones that were thrown out in discussion off the top of our heads. Feel free to discuss their 'level' or 'placement' below and/or ADD MORE EXAMPLES - with justification/reasoning - thats the idea of the thread
* Entry Level Amps - circa $500?: We know the ones, main stream brands to suit the every day punter. Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer, Clarion, etc.
* Midrange Amps - circa $1000?: Enthusiast choice? Genesis Profile Series, Arc Audio KAR Series, DLS Reference, Alpine PDX, Mosconi AS, Focal FP, Audison SRx, Boston GT, JL Slash etc.
* High End Amps - circa $1500?: Next level enthusiast. Genesis Series III, Sinfoni Amplitude, DLS Ultimate, Audison LRx, Tru Technology Steels, etc.
And this is where the topic of discussion really got interesting, and what this thread is really about. Distinguishing the next level. The no holds barred, no expense spared, ultimate SQ amplifiers that are a clear cut above the rest. Deciding and discussing which ones were worthy proved interesting, especially given their respective prices etc.
Our list included;
* Exotic Amps - $2000+; Audison Thesis, Tru Technology Billets, Alpine F1 Status, Arc Audio Special Edition, Sinfoni Prestigio/Desiderio/etc, Genesis Project 15.
Then there was the mention of the old school amps that are still very highly regarded among enthusiasts; SoundStream Reference, Orion HCCA, PPI Art, etc, and their placement. We discussed and agreed that these amps are no doubt high quality amps that could rival some of todays cheaper entry level amps, would probably see them placed closer to the midrange amps, or just below? There was mention that there is more of a nostalgia thing associated with these amps that makes people want them and hold their value, when there MAY (or may not?) be other better options out there at similar price points.
Anyways, thats all i can remember off the top of my head at this late hour.
Discuss - anything and everything, your thoughts, opinions, what your dream amps are, where certain amps should go in the classification, add more, what makes an exotic amp an exotic amp, etc etc.






















