2. amps-preamps
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Solid state amplifiers and sound stage, especially front to back "depth"

I've been enjoying my trial period with the Van Alstine SET 400 stereo amplifier. When I'm done and have collected my thoughts, I may write up a summary.

In the meantime, a question for folks with more experience. I've noticed is that the amp produces a sound stage that is nicely defined and articulate from left to right, but not as much from front to back. (My Adcom was also unable to create sound stage depth.) I know my room is capable of that sound stage because my tube amp accomplishes it.

Question: Is it typical of solid state amps to have less of a front to back sound stage than tube amps? Do they vary in this regard? Or, perhaps, am I failing to do something -- such as re-position my speakers? (After all, I immediately get that sound stage back when I switch amplifier without moving anything else.)

If you have any experience with solid state amplifiers and sound stage -- front to back, left to right, or whatever, I'm curious.

This is not about me keeping or not keeping the amp. There are many things I already really like about it. But I'm wondering about this aspect.

Thanks.
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Showing 2 responses by aubreybobb

aubreybobb
86 posts
 
Are the SS amps fully burned in? I find that a 600 -800 hour burn in helps bring out subtle details in imaging.

The other thing I'm thinking is resonance and vibration.  Tube amps are more resistant to this factor.  So if not already used, good isolation devices will help.  The best in my experience are those from critical mass systems, which will take your audio to a whole new level. 

Best wishes
aubreybobb
86 posts
 
 
As for resonance and vibration, I've neverheard that "tube amps are more resistant to this factor." I always thought they were LESS resistant, because of the glass tubes. That's a startling claim and I have never heard that before.


I have never heard this from anyone else either, just fits with logic, to me, simpler circuits, less components, heavy transformers, mass damping.  Think about it, less stuff to resonate in electrical fields means less hash i.e subtle information.  The vibrations I refer to are extremely tiny.

I had similar issues with depth and have been looking at this subject lately in my solid state system.  I can tell you the changes as a result have been simply astonishing.  Not a plug, but Critical Mass Systems footers for electronics and speakers have turned my world upside down.  From cones and sorbothane in the early days to springs to v v expensive bearing based vibration control devices now, nothing compares. 

Best wishes
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