Brian,
I agree that the general topology and internal circuitry is the primary reason for the differences.
However, I do believe those other areas do make a difference (I know Frank doesn't).
I would prefer to not have this thread turn into a debate on the subject of power cords, binding posts, etc...
We all know where that leads to...
George
Well I'll say this. I wouldn't know how to begin debating binding posts (I personally am aware of no reason why it could be more than a matter of having a sturdy, corrosion-free connection). Your quibble with the AVA amp appeared to address convenience/ergonomics, i.e. the fact that you couldn't easily hook your spade lugs to it. But if you can HEAR the difference between spades and bananas in a blind test you've probably got better ears than me.
But, there's no escaping the simple fact, that to assert that an amp's sound would improve with a different binding post (or power cord, or whatever), all other things being equal, is an arbitrary thing to say. You have no way of knowing it! I know, it's no doubt an educated guess based on your prior experience with spades vs. bananas or what have you -- but IMO the only thing one need grasp about small-order tweaks is the highly contingent nature of the improvements to be had. What works for one component, by all accounts I've ever noticed, may not work for another.
So whether or not these little tweaks are debatable, or reality-based -- and by all means let's not have that debate -- I still don't think it's quite reasonable to judge a piece of equipment based on their ABSENCE, as opposed to their presence, unless you're a surpassingly knowledgeable reverse-engineer, I suppose. Which for all I know you are. If you hard-wire a different power cord to an AVA amp and discern an improvement, well and good.
None of that is to question what you did hear, of course. It was great to read, and made me both wishful that I had the means to plug and play as much as you appear to do, and thankful that I can't. And doubly thankful that I'm not in mind of my power cords...
How upsetting to buy as nice an amp as the Moscode only to find that an additional few bills are requisite for maximum enjoyment!
BTW did you ever post a comparo of the Vandy to the HT3? Would like to read something about that.
