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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
tweak1
3,679 posts
 
Oh the joy
I have an Oppo 105 with upgraded LPM which was a huge sonic upgrade. It is connected to my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 via the balanced in, which bypasses the DDP-1 dac. I thought I could not shuffle between redbook and SACD. Well, 2 days ago I decided to reconnect my WireWorld Starlight 8 optical cable and was floored by how much smoother the HFs are and how much richer and more out front (3D) the presentation is. But does this mean I have to unplug it to play SACDs? NO! The buttons on the remote allow me to alternate between direct/balance from my 105 for SACDs and selecting optical to play redbook CDs. Yippee!!!

Now in search of a "better" optical cable. Although the Starlight 8 sounds VG, it is very warm compared to the dryer 105 direct. It might be that I just need to adjust before spending money on a possible wild goose chase. Suggestions?
sugabooger
89 posts
 
hilde45,

I read your other post on your room treatments. Have you tone frequency sweeps on both amplifiers? With some tube amps with low damping factors coupled with the speakers, you may have some significant changes in the frequency response that changes your impression of the sound.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,030 posts
 
@sugabooger 

I did do tone frequency sweeps with both amplifiers. Not much difference at all. Nor with impulse responses.


213runnin
914 posts
 
Having depth to the sound depends first of all, whether or not it's in the recording that you're listenig to.  Next, whether your speakers can recreate the full image that is in the music.  And finally if there is anything in your system that is degrading the signal.

And EVERYTHING can degrade the signal.  
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,030 posts
 
@213runnin Thanks. Previous posts in this thread addressed all those things.
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