My two cents on the matter, for what it's worth.
I have Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) preamp and power amp. The preamp is tube gear, as all of the BAT preamps are, and the amp is one of their SS models. My phono stage is also a tube design (Manley Chinook). The room is well treated and the speakers (Dynaudio Contour 60i) are 3 feet from each side wall and 3 feet from the front wall. Soundstage width and depth are wonderful. I thoroughly enjoy that aspect of the system every time I listen to it. However, I wanted more (upgrade-itis, if you will), especially in timbre tone and deeper soundstage. I borrowed a BAT tube amp and placed it where I had my SS amp. That was the only change I made, swapping amps. What I found was the superior timbral tonality I was seeking, but also, the depth of soundstage was a very apparent increase. That actually surprised me because the SS amp does so well in that area. Now, was it because the tube amp is just more compatible with my signal cables and my speakers? I can't honestly say. But I can honestly say that the soundstage depth was improved, and rather significantly. Consequently, I made a purchase of the tube amp and, when it arrives (new unit, on order from BAT by my authorized dealer), will soon be posting my SS amp for sale.
So the bottom line, at least for me, is that the tube amp was superior to the SS amp for soundstage depth and in timbral tone as well. Same brand preamp and amps, all designed to work with one another.
I hope this adds value to the thread.
I have Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) preamp and power amp. The preamp is tube gear, as all of the BAT preamps are, and the amp is one of their SS models. My phono stage is also a tube design (Manley Chinook). The room is well treated and the speakers (Dynaudio Contour 60i) are 3 feet from each side wall and 3 feet from the front wall. Soundstage width and depth are wonderful. I thoroughly enjoy that aspect of the system every time I listen to it. However, I wanted more (upgrade-itis, if you will), especially in timbre tone and deeper soundstage. I borrowed a BAT tube amp and placed it where I had my SS amp. That was the only change I made, swapping amps. What I found was the superior timbral tonality I was seeking, but also, the depth of soundstage was a very apparent increase. That actually surprised me because the SS amp does so well in that area. Now, was it because the tube amp is just more compatible with my signal cables and my speakers? I can't honestly say. But I can honestly say that the soundstage depth was improved, and rather significantly. Consequently, I made a purchase of the tube amp and, when it arrives (new unit, on order from BAT by my authorized dealer), will soon be posting my SS amp for sale.
So the bottom line, at least for me, is that the tube amp was superior to the SS amp for soundstage depth and in timbral tone as well. Same brand preamp and amps, all designed to work with one another.
I hope this adds value to the thread.