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Holographic Soundstage ?

I would like to share my observation and hopefully get some input from people who have the same interest.

My system consist of Wharfedale Opus 3 , Krell KRC-3 preamp, Krell KSA 150 amp, Chord Qutest DAC and a computer with JCAT USB EX running Roon/with LPSU from HDPlex.
I mainly like holographic soundstage and would be able to achieve a very good 3D soundstaging with my current Krell setup.
I decided to try out tube amp a couple days ago because I read through the internet and everybody told me that tube amp always have better holographic soundstage and 3D imaging comparing to SS amp.
So I order a Raven Blackhawk MK3 from Raven audio with 45 days home trial just to try it out. I was expecting a very holographic soundstage that will blow my Krell out of the water.
Well, I was so WRONG. The Krell combo actually has a deeper and wider soundstage comparing to the Raven.
The Raven also has some very weak bass comparing to the Krell which is more punchy and tonally rich textured bass.
I cannot understand why it happens. I am always under the impression that tube amp will always provide more holographic soundstage. Obviously, In my set up the Krell is superior when it come to 3 dimensionality.

I will keeping trying out the Raven Blackhawk in the next couple of weeks and if things are not improved. I am ready to return the Raven and perhaps trying out the other tube amps (or solid state amps) that can beat the Krell combo.

If any one has some idea of such a product, please let me know. I am looking for an upgrade right now.

128x128viethluu
invalid
1,208 posts
 
Why don't you just put a good 6sn7 tube preamp in front of the krell amp. I couldn't stand my krell ksa 300s amp with solid state preamps, I got an octal tube preamp and it is so much better. 

As far as great holographic speakers, I have apogee duetta 2's that are very holographic, but not quite as holographic as my polk sda speakers. The apogees do have better detail and tone than the polks.
gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
154 posts
 
"If any one has some idea of such a product, please let me know. I am looking for an upgrade right now."

Don Sachs has introduced his Valhalla  integrated recently and it is a giant killer.  It can use a variety of power tubes and its signal tubes are those luscious 6sn7's. Huge soundstage and imaging.  And at around $4500 is a bargain to boot.  
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@gkr7007

have you read this thread?

with all due respect to don, i don’t think you are doing him any favors suggesting his valhalla to drive these dual 10 in woofers in the op’s wharfedales to replace a 150/300 wpc krell ksa150

i would say it is 50-50 proposition at very best that his 30 wpc unit will handle them properly...
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
God, I really don’t want to get into another Raven thread but I have to share an experience...

When I had him on the phone right before I purchased their amplifier, I told James that the number one thing I’m looking for in their amplifier is a holographic image.
He told me I was the first person to ever say they wanted that when they were about to buy one of their amplifiers.

At that moment, a red flag had gone off in my head.
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
I also think the speakers are the best thing to change for a more holographic sound. I like Fyne so F501SP would for me be something to check out but there sre many good speakers. 
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