I've seen a lot of criticism of Chinese gear that have valves just for decoration. Rightly so in my opinion.
When they have LEDs underneath to make them glow more it's even worse. I have to say I'm not therefore a fan of much of the recent crop of McIntosh gear either for just that reason. What on earth are they thinking?? But at least the valves do something.
Not only does it make them feel cheap but I also wonder if it can have an effect on the sound. After all valve amp makers go to some effort to separate the heating circuit from the others. I wonder if it's the same with these fake valves. And if it is, couldn't that money have been spent elsewhere?
Anyway, the reason I'm posting is I've seen a review of a very pricey monobloc that does just this. And it's class D so are they trying to use this to distract from the traditional view that class D is sterile? If so surely having a valve in circuit is the way to go??
Anyway here's the review, just wondering what others think?
https://www.hifinews.com/content/agd-gran-vivace-monoblock-amplifier
When they have LEDs underneath to make them glow more it's even worse. I have to say I'm not therefore a fan of much of the recent crop of McIntosh gear either for just that reason. What on earth are they thinking?? But at least the valves do something.
Not only does it make them feel cheap but I also wonder if it can have an effect on the sound. After all valve amp makers go to some effort to separate the heating circuit from the others. I wonder if it's the same with these fake valves. And if it is, couldn't that money have been spent elsewhere?
Anyway, the reason I'm posting is I've seen a review of a very pricey monobloc that does just this. And it's class D so are they trying to use this to distract from the traditional view that class D is sterile? If so surely having a valve in circuit is the way to go??
Anyway here's the review, just wondering what others think?
https://www.hifinews.com/content/agd-gran-vivace-monoblock-amplifier