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 6 responses by mossyrocks

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

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

Oh and thanks for the very polite discourse.

 

Sonicsmith

If you have a recommendation for a better amp pairing with the Ref 6 I would be happy to hear it.

 

I used to have a hybrid pre with the Bryston that I could really crank, but was a combo that was very bright thru my Focal 1028be.

The mistake I have made is buying components piecemeal and not taking a system approach.

Good luck finding a fit