"Sander deWaal" wrote in message
...

I think we are almost saying the same thing. However, we should
probably stop wasting our time debating and just agree to
disagree.

To summarize my position:

The AES and IEEE define high fidelity as "a playback system for
reproducing, as close as possible to the original recording,
without
alterations other than gain". In the case of an audio amplifier
with
preamp type inputs and speaker level outputs this means
amplifying
the audio signal without adding any audible effects other than
gain.

A designer can choose to implement an amplifier that modifies
the incoming signal and a consumer can prefer that arrangement.
However, in the strict technical sense that device does not meet
the requirements for a high fidelity amplifier.

To make an obscence example, a designer could design an amplifier
with a frequency response of only 500Hz to 5kHz with a big sharp
null at 2kHz. He doesn't like bass because it bothers his
neighbors. High frequencies are eliminated because he thinks
they sound harsh and maybe he has an extreme sensitivity to 2kHz
sounds due to hearing damage. Even with the weird frequency
response this might be a very popular product. However, it does
not meet the technical requirements of a high fidelity audio
amplifier.

-Rusty B.