Many audiophiles has asked the question but has failed to receive any answer.
To define best, one would need to set the criteria as different criteria will have different results. If one uses price versus performance as the main criteria, many China made amplifiers may be the best as it may be cheap and good. If one use listeming music as a guide, a simple mini combo may be the best. If one uses multi function aand convenient as a critera, the multi functional DVD, VCD, CD, MP3 system plus AM/FM radio may be the best!
In this instance, I would define best as being able to :
1. gain worldwide recognition and acceptance versus recognition by one or a few as well as
2. increasing demand and increase in values as crietria.
In term of American brands, Western Electric has been widely recognised as one of the best (for power amplifiers, preamp as well as tubes!) in sound as well as in demand! The Americam Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese as well as many Hong Kongers and now the mainland Chinese are deeply poisoned by the WE and have been a great supporters of WE!
If the Western Electric is not as good as it sounded, it would not be able to gather such a great following as there is a saying, you can fool someone once but not forever! In term of prices, the WE amplifiers are in a rapid increase from HK$90,000 in 2007 to $150,000 in July 2008. Are the people willing to pay such high prices crazy? No, it merely shows the truth that a good product is able to withsatnd the test of time and gained its recognition and reputation! Many audiophiles who has paid such high dollars used to play with much more expesive modern days equipments but just couldn'y get the WE sound that allows one to be enjoyed music without feeling fatique.
The Best UK amplifiers must be the Leak TL12.1, which has gained many convert after auditioning my friend John Keung's set at home. I used to own two pair of Quad II, one pair of Radio Craftsmen C500, but the Leak TL12.1 is truly remarkable especially when used with the Rogers LS3/5a as it has a wide soundstage and dynamism despite only 12 watts in power. In term of values, it was circa HK$30,000 in 2006 and is now HK$65000 (July 2008) . What is the reason for the increase in values and demand? Nice sound!
For those who want to listen to music and at the same time "invest", you can get the WE and Leak 12.1. Should you decide to give up the hobby some time in the future, you will not lose any money as the amplifiers will help you generate cash while serving you with these great music!
Since these 2 gears have given us so much fun and joy, I guess not many who own them is willing to part with them despite the monetary gain. Afterall, money is for one to buy one's love...and since such love is getting rarer, there are somethings that money can't buy now...
No comments:
Post a Comment