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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
dbxrecord
29 posts
 
Equipment that enables a holographic soundstage within recorded pieces of music, needs to be assessed not in terms of brand names - (although some get close),  rather IMO in terms of its circuitry techniques. A great location for reviewing schematics is hi fi engine https://www.hifiengine.com/manual-library.shtml

Usually linearity, extensive current regulation with voltage stability, and use  of - if we describe mosfets - common gate and common drain typically have this ability,as does a cascode.

Your Krell meets some of these outlooks, and may explain why you prefer it. But it is wise look at all circuitry including your source components, attenuation and cabling and speakers, as each contribute as to how well or how poor your Krell is able to amplify reproduction of music via loudspeakers.       

Hope that helps.


antigrunge2
1,426 posts
 
In my experience computer audio suffers from a lot of noise inside the computer. The first victim of that is time accuracy as well as sound staging. Your amp and speakers are capable of great sound staging, your source is definitely not, Get a decent server, I would recommend InnuOS.
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,173 posts
 
In my experience computer audio suffers from a lot of noise inside the computer.
You are probably right for those who use computer without decreasing their electrical noise floor...

But i use computer and my imaging, soundstage fill the room and with appropriate recording even  include the listener on the scene...

But save for vibrations controls and electrical noise floor controls, the more underestimated factor is the acoustic controls...

And acoustic controls is not passive material treatment only with absorbing, diffusive and reflective surface.... It is more than that..... Without that my soundstage, imaging, timbre experience and listener envelopment and source width will be poor....With that i control them at will....
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