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Tube Amp soundstage

I hope everyone is safe and healthy during these strange times. I wondering if someone could explain to me the reason my tube amp has a deeper soundstage than my SS amps? Two years back I built an Elekit 8200 which puts out around 8-10w/c in ultra linear mode, depending on the power tubes. I usually run KT88’s or 6L6’s, and less often EL34’s. It powers a pair of Tekton Enzo 2.7’s which are quite efficient at a claimed 98db. The SS amps I’ve used with these speakers include a vintage NAD 35w receiver, a Musical Fidelity m3si @ 85w, a Rogue Sphinx @ 100w and a Hegel H80. Now granted, non of these amps are what I would consider high end audio, but no matter what, the little tube amp always seems to have a deeper, more 3-D soundstage and the SS amps sound a little flatter. Same source, same DAC, same speakers and cables. There are things I appreciate about the SS sound, such as tighter, better defined bass and an effortless ability to play louder (which I do less and less), but every time I rotate the little tube amp back in, I hear a slightly more organic sound and that deeper soundstage.
dtapo

Showing 1 response by niodari

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niodari
315 posts
 
Independently from theory (which is of course interesting by itself) I was (and  continue) comparing the soundstage of Stingray tube integrated amplifier (in push-pull) and  Cherry Megascino class D that I use with Wyred4sound STP2 preamplifier. Stingray (with EL84) in push pull gives a wonderful soundstage. Although  I cannot complain about the soundstage in the SS settingas neither. I would say the tubes  give more echo like soundstage (which I personally love)  whereas the Cherry gives reasonably natural soundstage which is further expanded by the STP preamp. I can feel the " body " of each instrument in all three dimensions without an echo-effect (perhaps, because of a very low THD). 
Given that with class D you can also hear more details (especially in mid-high frequencies), the sound is more clear and natural (nothing to say about non-auditionable benefits of class D), perhaps I like more my SS setting (thought again I love my tube integrated). 

Marry Christmas
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