RE:
Amp test: Two amps in question were a sony digital receiver of 20mething like 130 wpc v. classe monoblocks--an older vintage but stereofool class a rec component list. Speakers varied. But before attacking methodology or partucular components, do it blindfolded with amps of your own choosing with matched levels. You did not mention anything re the particulars of the test, nor whether FRand level was tested prior to the test. Even a small amount of amp/cable output impedance change can interact with some systems to produce changes. Thats why I suggested using nominal cabling and would in fact suggest simple heavy guage wire os at no less than 12awg.
This is in no way intended to be a denigration of Odyssey audio; I had the good fortune to meet Klaus and hear the Odyssey gear at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest and found it to be among the most musical at the whole show and a killer value for the small floorstanders--almost bought a pair on the spot, but have decided to go DIY instead.
Theres a very interesting thread on depression and addiction in audio running in another circle--as a psychiatrist who treats both, and who in the past has spent vast amounts of money chasing the audio fix, I am of the opinion that a phenomenon first observed in cocaine addiction may be operative--that is, using positron imaging of the brain, it was clearly shown that certain reward centers of the brain literally light up in anticipation of doing cocaine--almost to the same extent as that seen when actually doing the drug. In other words the expectation of improvement may be a powerful impetus to actually creating a perceived difference. I dont believe placebo effect is the correct term, but has been used in the past in this context.
This may help to explain why individuals are often clearly convinced to hear huge differences in non-blind situations, which have been elusive if not down right impossible to perceive under blind conditions. Searching the net, I could not find any references to any well documented and implemented confirmatory testing between amps--Audio magazine did abx testing for a while, and never reached statictical significance.
To carry the analogy a bit further, the new equipment fix lasts a variable length of time until the familiarization process overrides the perceived step up in sound quality leading to the need for another "fix".
I am certain most will consider me nuts, but as a former research scientist in biophysics, I believe this best accounts for behavior and observations that clearly defy logic--spending vast amounts of money for what others less emotionally invested in the playback will describe as at most modest. It clearly meets the definition of addiction/abuse in some cases given the preoccupation with obtaining the very best equipment and continued use/upgrading despite the negative consequences experienced by engaging in the activity--what some have labeeled a "process" addiction such as gambling, compulsive shopping, or sex.
