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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
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
12,754 posts
 
I know my room is capable of that sound stage because my tube amp accomplishes it.
I used a Sansui Au 7700 solid state amplifier....and i have a front to back listener inclusion....The complete sensation to be in the soundstage while listening many good recording...

But 2 years ago it was not the case at all....

The room acoustic control was the reason in my case of this improvement ...

I think that tube amplification resist more to acoustic limited or not optimal conditions...It is the only way i can explain to myself your experience...Anything "analog" resist more to non optimal acoustical control or lack of control....Digital could store more potential information but suffer more if the optimal acoustic did not help it.... But i am not a specialist of these questions.... It is my interpretation only...

Others more experienced than me may have better answers....

I am curious about others people answers....


rh67
307 posts
 
The distance your speakers are from the rear wall can affect the soundstage from front to back both in a real and perceived manner.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,616 posts
 
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?
Yes and yes.

If the solid state amp is properly designed it should exhibit depth as good as a tube amp.
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