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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

Showing 1 response by audioman58

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,896 posts
 

It maktters , if you have a low budget amp say under $2k ,you will not get the budget soundstage and imaging that a good Solid state amp with bring 

which will have Mosfets, Fet, bipolors which as have some tube like traits .

IMO and many others a good SS amp , and Tube preamp is a classic combination 

a minimum of $10 k on average for a quality pre or amp ,

that would be -B class my audiophile standards. 

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