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 4 responses by tomic601

also, maybe an old F like myself already mentioned this great tool….

Test Record 1 - Depth of Image ( Opus 3 Disc # 79-00 )

playing it now on the reference system….miles and so many layers of depth……
Even my ancient Audionics of Oregon CC2 one of the first of the Otala inspired low TIM amps, is a 3D imaging champ….
IF you want to better understand the why do some research on the speaker and electronics design genius of Charlie Hansen ( RIP ) one hint low to zero negative feedback :-)
I miss him