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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.
hilde45

Showing 6 responses by jjss49

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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@hilde45

fwiw

https://www.ebay.com/itm/124794699355?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&...

sacd/cd version
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@paul79
In general, and in my experience, solid state does depth great. Tubes do too, but overall, I do find that tube amps give a bigger sound stage all around, particularly scale of artists and in sound stage width. That said, I am sure there are varying degrees from different solid state vs. tube amps depending on design.


just as a point of discussion, not being disagreeable, my personal finding over the years is the opposite from yours

i find good ss amps image wide but generally have more limited depth than similar quality tube amps - ss amps will do depth but it needs to a very good recording with that aspect in spades, otherwise, typical mixed recordings have less front to back layering

tube amps otoh generally image slightly wider, sometimes a little bigger but MUCH deeper...

i feel stage width and image size is heavily speaker and placement driven, and of course certain speakers, via their design put the image in front of, in line with, of behind their baffle line ... but there is something special that great tube amps in creating a sense of layered depth of the stage
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@hilde45

looks like you accidentally touched the ’on’ button πŸ˜…πŸ€£
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
+1 @speakermaster

tube gear tends to 'manufacture' a degree of imaging depth it seems, whereas ss gear does not, generally
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
most probably have already seen it but the related current topic 'why do want distortions' has an ongoing discussion that has bearing on this one... esp. the contributions by ralph of atmasphere
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
good topic, worthwhile discussion @hilde45

i agree with those who have stated the degree of quietness/blackness and low distortion of ss amps helps them fully develop the stereo image and soundstage ... this is the case with hegel pass ayre imo... that ultra deep dark background helps imaging depth and specificity

that been said, i think tube amps (at least very good ones, with power, damping factor and good s/n) expand/magnify the sense of imaging - this i believe is from how they handle harmonics (aided by harmonic distortion) and differing decay of notes (thus you get a sense of bloom and air around notes) which aids in their developing the illusion of soundstaging depth - audio research ref and vac renaissance amps do this, as do the lta zotl and to some degree the carver crimson in my experience

lastly, of course, recording quality is key... the info needs to be there
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