2. amps-preamps
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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 2 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Because I’m a valve person, I have to be honest with you. Well I don’t have to be, but I’m gonna be. :-)

Sweet EL34s, plump KT88, and the all time best 6L6 (I think)

The distortion the valves offer, are the perfect form of chaos when they are done right. The wrong part, that valves ADD, according to a scope, are that "Mojo" you (and I) like.. The imperfect, becomes "Perfect".
I also think that’s why it sounds "THICHER", more of it....

I have heard low watt SS that could get pretty darn close to that perfect, imperfection. A lot of the Pass designs, and their influence on design, put a big smile on my face... The old Adcom, Threshold, First Watt, and Pass. Mark Ls, in a class of their own.. MHO

If I want surgical, clinical , sterile, Krell and a few others come to mind.

Class D, All together different, but they have a good place for me, and my gear...

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

tablejockey1,815 posts12-20-2020 8:16am"Sweet EL34s, plump KT88, and the all time best 6L6 (I think)"

oldhvymec-That’s what I hear. Not the modern 6L6, but the lower power RCA 6L6G.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

TJ I know the old RCAs will take a heck of a beating, the military metal cover is another tough valve.

Something about a good 6L6, my buddy in Sheldon, great musician, great person. He use to be a BIG time bass player. ALL his bass amps were 6L6. He plays just about anything well, so he starts working on his 6-12 string stuff, again, back to the 6L6. He doesn’t like the British sound, EL34. KT88 are to fat on the bottom, he is tinkering though.. After 55 years of rockin’ he’s not gonna change to much..

I’ll say this though, DON’T buy the cheepos’ (6L6) that are being advertised on EBay from, the Eastern block.. BAD, design and sound. They come out of the box at 10-25% of a new Sylvania, RCA or GE. Just JUNK.. They won’t hold a bias, and take a while to sound OK.. I lost over 10% due to out of the box failure and another 5% with a 24 hour break-in. BAD.

Merry Christmas Everyone.. / Have a Good Holiday..

Regards


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