I’ve owned comparable, but not identical equipment (on the high-power, solid state, box speaker side and the tube amp plus efficient horn or transmission line or open baffle speakers.) In my experience the tube amp matched with the efficient horn speakers are the perfect combo for imaging and soundstage. Adding a sub makes this even better. Also so much more engaging.
soundstage question: McIntosh Autoformers (MA8950) vs tube amps (chi-fi - sigh)
A few months ago, I bought MA8950 to drive my Sonus faber Electra Amator III bookshelf speakers. I also have a separate chi-fi setup with $300 tube-amp (Class A SET, apparently) and Klipsch bookshelves.
I'm trying to understand the science behind soundstage. In the same room, the tube-amp with Klipsch speakers seem to throw the sound all over the place while the McIntosh setup doesn't do that. The only other differing factor are the cables and speaker wire.
My guess is, one of the two are true:
A. Klipsch are a more revealing speaker (8ohm and 96dB) while the Sf aren't (4 ohm and 88dB)
B. The tube amp is doing its magic
A means that the output stage in relation to the room is everything
B means that the McIntosh autoformers are likely "suppressing" something
I didn't dare hook up the tube amp to the Sf speakers; idk what would happen to the speakers.
Now I think it's A. But if someone thinks it is B - then I'm curious. What exactly is happening with the autoformers that might be causing this?
Thank you.