John
You continue to categorize the ST-10 based on listening tests with speakers that you have admitted to tailored to your preference by adjusting them to have more energy in the upper frequency regions. So yes the two amps that have more in common with the IDA-8 will sound more natural. Put the speakers back to neutral and test again. You are the only one I have ever heard call the ST-10 aggressive. You are doing a great amp a disservice.
Hi Jack,
Thanks for the feedback.
I need to be clear, that to me "more aggressive", or "more laid back" are relative and not negative terms.
When I employ the term aggressive (by comparison) it means more dynamic and with greater contrasts.
I use the same settings on my speakers for all amp or gear comparisons so that will always produce the same relativity.
And to anyone who reads my comments on these amps, I find them to actually be well priced and placed as far as performance and quality of sound. That is, the STA-9 is not quite at the same level in overall sound qualities as the ST-10, K-38, or Reference 18 and 20.
There seems to be a clear and escalating quality as you go up the line. In most cases, one would look for "refinements" to the sounds of amps as you move up the line, and that is what occurs with NuPRIME. (From the IDA-8 to the Reference 20)
So to reiterate, the ST-10 is an "exceptional" amp at any price, and the only amps I like better, are the K-38 and I assume the REF20 (but I haven't had opportunity to spend time with them yet)
So I might hope that would correct any impression that "aggressive" when I use it as a descriptor, is comparing primarily "dynamic abilities". When I hear a more crisp "snap" to a snare, or instant rise of a percussive sound, I describe that as more aggressive dynamics.
And a forward aggressive sound is only considered negative, if it is harsh, or overtly so, to the point it is distracting or not real sounding.
I tend to think that, in general, most amps and speakers are less real sounding because they lack the dynamics heard in real space.
In the future I will likely use "aggressive" and "responsive" to further add to being able to describe those aspects as "positive".
My comparison also means that for those looking for something "laid back", or smoother, they will likely be perfectly happy with the STA-9, which certainly does have its roots in the IDA-8.
I apologize for rambling on, but I wanted to make sure no one felt I was suggesting the ST-10 was less refined in any way.
I am currently using it in my system for a while and love it.