"Stewart Pinkerton" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 09:40:39 -0000, "JustMe" wrote:

The comparisons I made were using a PC's line out as a source (both CD
and
320kb/s MP3) and a pair of B&W LM1 speakers, at my desk, however I have
made
similar comparisons using more "hifi" sources and superior speakers.

The pre/power amps are currently driving a pair of original Mission 752s
which
together sound staggeringly good.

A fine speaker, indeed.

Whoops - I meant VM1s with regard to the B&Ws, although I doubt you were
referring to those as "fine" )

And Jim's research did indeed lead staright to
what's wrong with the Kraken - appalling current delivery! Into 4
ohms, it can only put out the voltage equivalent of 18 watts into 8
ohms. You just *know* that's going to be audible on peaks...........

In this particular setup (by my PC) it remains at a comparitively low
volume - I doubt I take it to anywhere near a level at which it'll clip,
even with variances from the speakers.

Again you say "what's wrong with the Kraken".

1) Do you know that this isn't by design?

(And I'm not asking for what *you* consider to be good design in an
amplifier, just whether you *know* if this is by design or not).

2) If I like what the amp does, then what is wrong with it, to me?

OTOH, the effects decribed would be not unlike one of the classic
nonlinearities of valve amps, so that may be why you like it.

I cannot comment on this, although I have only heard one or two valve amps
in such a context, so haven't the range of reference as I do with SS amps.

You might say that one man's "nonlinearity" is another man's "sweet".

What are you studying at the moment?

He's a lecturer in electronics and physics at St Andrews University.
He's not filling in the exam paper, he's creating it.............

I misinterpreted his statement.

Yes, he knows what he's talking about.

That is clear from Jim's posts. He also engages with interest, enthusiasm
and without condescension - I'm sure he's a very good teacher.