Dynamics and Microdynamics


Perhaps this isn't an amplifier, but a speaker issue instead (or both). Here is my observation:

I recently listened to the same piece of music (Chopin, Etudes, Pollini, Deutsche Grammophon 431221) on two different systems (in the same room). System A: VTL MB-450 monoblocks in tetrode mode, driving B&W Nautilus 802. System B: Classe Delta CA M-400 monoblocks driving Wilson Watt/Puppy 7. Source, pre-amp, and cabling was the same.

Now here's what was strange: While the Classe/Wilson system was clearly better at microdynamics (ferreting out the hidden gems of melodical lines within the overall structure of the pieces), the VTL/B&W system did a better job at conveying the dynamical punches (from ebbing to swelling, up and down the tonal scale), i.e., the guts of the musical structure. From memory, when I listened to these pieces live, both mico-and macrodynamics were clearly audible, not just one or the other.

Also, system A sounded a little thinner, system B a little warmer. So my question: Any explanation for this? While I understand that the refinement you get with an accurate representation of microdynamics is system-dependent (and the Watt/Puppys are more expensive speakers than the Nautilus 802), both systems should have been able to get the macrodynamics right, or not? Or does this have anything to do with tube (VTL) vs solid-state (Classe) technologies?

Thanks for any insights.
hgabert
Yes it does have to do with the Tubes.. the wilson's sound aweful with Classe in my experiences... they make the wilson's thin sounding.. Mark Levinson equipment has the same effect in my experiences.. the VTL 450's with the Watt Puppy 7's will give you more of what you are looking for.

Or if you can swing it a pair of Lamm M1.1 you will be amazed. I own WP7's and Lamm amps and I have heard the VTL450 combo which was very nice but I still felt that the Lamm's did it even better (I owned M2.1's also)
Hgabert, to follow up on my 'short' response, B&W owns Classe so you'd suspect them to work well together. I am using Classe (Delta) with B&W speakers and am quite pleased, whether it is your cup of tea is for you to find out. If not already doing so, leave your amp on 24/7.
I've heard very good things about the Lamms. But do the Lamm M1.1's (at 100 watts) really have enough power? I can't even run the VTL 450's in triode mode because with 220 watts (!) breakup occurs (at reasonable listening levels). So I'm somewhat skeptical, but I'm open to any explanations why 100 Lamm watts should be sufficient.
You didn't mention which preamps or source were used. Assuming the source components were the same, I will say the N802's are more detailed when spiked, it is not likely they will be set up that way in a dealers show room. I will also say they sound much better with tube power, in my case VAC than with a former amp Classe.
Source was Mark Levinson 390s (CD), preamp was Mark Levinson 380s, interconnects and speaker cables were all Transparent.

You're probably right about the missing spikes.