Biasrocks
Well-known member
JohnRoberts said:As a circuit designer, with a long time interest in popular myth, I am not aware of any significant mechanism in linear solid state audio paths that significantly alter the sound's character with level, away from the extremes of clipping or noise floor.
The key word you used is 'linear'.
I have found that many times it's the non-linear behaviour of a piece of gear that achieves a 'sound'. A fairly common example might be, pushing an API preamp beyond the needed gain level to get some harmonic distortion.
I prefer older designs in this respect. Things that are discrete and have lot's of iron and sometimes tubes. I'm sure the original designers didn't intend for the equipment to be used this way, but many times pushing these designs beyond what the designer intended is what gives up the 'magic'.
Ultimately, I let me ears judge what I find pleasing, as should everyone.
I learned long ago to take 'internet legend' with a large grain of salt.
Regards,
Mark