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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
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
We have diverged far off the OP Q.
What makes 3D? 
If a  speaker has no potential for fidelity soundstage, it makes no difference what amp/source you use.
If its not there, it aint there.
Rake a  Jadis JA800, hook it up to B7W,, The Jadis will sound like a  B&W sound, which i can't stand. 
I'm searching for fidelity right now.
I am re-inventing the Seas Thors.
The seas FA22RCZ arrives late sunday.

Which will go between the dual W18's. 
The Millennium tweeter is history. 
This  tweeter has fidelity, but the sound stage on complex music is too small, = not 3D.
3D = hight, depth, width. With human vocals perfection. 
winstonwas1's avatar
winstonwas1
8 posts
 
Best 3d sound i heard was after hours at a Chicago emporium that had a Art Audio 845 SET. Integrated (Diablo)? driving a single horn Zingalli loudpeaker playing Duke Ellington on vinyl through a Px Art Audio phonostage, SPOOKY REAL!
I felt as if id gone back in time and was looking down from a balcony upon the performers.

I just relate this 2002 experiance as testimony to the importance of proper speaker and amplifier pairings for desired effects or results.
In class A its also important to have a stable 8 ohm impedance to get the best results even with solid state class A.
Ita all about removing the noisefloor.

I hope im not distracting from origionl post as my experiance or testimony as it relates to his desires is my best way imo to be of help.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@grk7007 -- sure ok... whatever you say... 🙄 -- tis a modern miracle that people can type but they can’t read...

anyhow... op has plenty of ’advice’ now... good luck to him in his pursuit
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,693 posts
 
OP is drown in info....and hasn't posted in awhile, either......*L*
midareff1
182 posts
 
In my experience the room's acoustics is perhaps the most important factor in soundstage imaging.  Side wall reflections can muddy an image as can sound waves coming from the rear wall and front corners.. Before I chased different equipment I'd tame the beast that your system lives in
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