2. amps-preamps
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How Do Amps Affect Soundstage?

I'm not that technically strong on audio yet, so please refrain from mockery on this....

My DAC, premamp, and amp combo (all tube) throw a nice soundstage.  If I substitute (at least some) solid state stereo amps, soundstage is constricted.  If the amp is basically just increasing the signal that it is receiving from the preamp, I don't get how the size and shape of the presentation is altered materially from what the preamp is delivering. (I get that the signal could get distorted, etc.).  How does the amp play such role?  And do monoblocks enjoy any design advantage in maintaining the soundstage received?  Thanks.

mathiasmingus
dinov's avatar
dinov
834 posts
 

Amps are the heart of your system, the foundation from which soundstage is developed. A make it or break it kind of thing. An example of amazing soundstage can be heard in vintage quad amps like the 405-2. Among other qualities that may or may not be appealing to everyone, this trait is a product of the amplifier itself. 

mossyrocks
19 posts
 

I am not anaudiophile in knowledge, but have spent like one.

I have the ARC Ref 6 paired with a Bryston 4b cubed.

Recommended match.

I was finding I could not get the system to 'juice.

It was explained to me that the volume control on the 

Ref 6 is the limiting factor ( something to do with its design and gain ).

Piont is if you really want to ctabk the volume the amp

Is limited by the ref 6 pre.

On that note does anyone know if the volume control can be modified?

 

Mossy

fsonicsmith1
101 posts
 

Lots of noise above. An eight watt amp can produce an amazing soundstage. "Can" when the loudspeakers are carefully chosen and properly positioned in the room. It is not about power or monoblocs. It is simply a matter of good design and implementation.

Standing waves and room reflection have the most impact on soundstaging and imaging (often confused but different qualities), speaker choice and positioning second, selection of electronics third, and choice of cabling is likely last. Within that third category, "electronics" is source which is admittedly a bit sloppy when the source is vinyl but certainly the cartridge and phono stage are essential and electronic.

@Mossy, that business of the Ref 6 Pre having a badly designed volume control is pure garbage. You have ten posts (Yes, my profile only shows 80 some but I had to change from Fsonicsmith to Fsonicsmith1 due to password problems and have hundreds and hundreds of posts). What is your basis and where did that allegation come from? No need to answer. I don’t particularly care to know.

mossyrocks
19 posts
 

My apologies wrong thread.

Coffee might help

mossyrocks
19 posts
 

Got that info from Chris at part connection- who created the sonic frontiers brand.

Oh and thanks for the very polite discourse.

 

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