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Solid state amplifiers and sound stage, especially front to back "depth"

I've been enjoying my trial period with the Van Alstine SET 400 stereo amplifier. When I'm done and have collected my thoughts, I may write up a summary.

In the meantime, a question for folks with more experience. I've noticed is that the amp produces a sound stage that is nicely defined and articulate from left to right, but not as much from front to back. (My Adcom was also unable to create sound stage depth.) I know my room is capable of that sound stage because my tube amp accomplishes it.

Question: Is it typical of solid state amps to have less of a front to back sound stage than tube amps? Do they vary in this regard? Or, perhaps, am I failing to do something -- such as re-position my speakers? (After all, I immediately get that sound stage back when I switch amplifier without moving anything else.)

If you have any experience with solid state amplifiers and sound stage -- front to back, left to right, or whatever, I'm curious.

This is not about me keeping or not keeping the amp. There are many things I already really like about it. But I'm wondering about this aspect.

Thanks.
128x128hilde45
sgreg1
612 posts
 
Love the talk about Sansui. I have a 7070 that was bought new in 1977. It has been running in my wife's business for the last 23 years. The only time it has been turned off is for a power outage. This receiver just keeps going. Don't want to reminisce but they made this equipment like tanks. The power supply on this could double for an arch welder. When it was my main rig it powered bose 901’s. Have to admit they sounded pretty good. I have tried the bose with other amps and receivers but nothing could push them like the sansui did.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,944 posts
 
the amp produces a sound stage that is nicely defined and articulate from left to right, but not as much from front to back.I know my room is capable of that sound stage because my tube amp accomplishes it.
@hilde45 Tubes have long dominated the field when it comes to presenting soundstage width and depth. I've outlined reasons why amps might be weak in this department. In a nutshell, if you want the same depth in a solid state amp, you'll have to move on from the one you have.


Its entirely fair to expect a solid state amp to be able to equal tubes in this regard. But IME you'll probably have to audition the candidates side by side with your tube amps to know you're getting what you want. IMO most solid state designs are lacking in this department and its been a problem historically since solid state became practical. But there are designs out there now that appear up to the task. 


hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,062 posts
 
Thank you, @atmasphere 

I have returned the amp. I'm open to suggestions.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
The Audia Flight #4 MK2 power amp has plenty of power as well as tube like depth.It also had superior sound and built quality as well.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,062 posts
 
@ebm Thanks so much for the recommendation. I’ll check it out! (Just looked -- a review had it at £16,250.)
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