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

Showing 1 response by curiousjim

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curiousjim
4,228 posts
 

@mathiasmingus 

I have found that all things matter when it comes to soundstage. A better preamp, amp, integrated, speakers, room setup, and yes, even cables help. I have cheap source and middle of the road everything else and I have a huge soundstage. For me room setup and speaker setup made the biggest difference. Wife aloud me to put up some sound absorbing panels and move the speakers four feet (from the front) out into the room and bang, everything came together.

All the best.

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