Tubes vs Solid State - Imaging, Soundstaging, 3D


I have limited experience with tubes having had a couple tube amps with Gold Lion KT88s and EL34s. The majority of amps I have owned have been solid state. In my experience, SS always seems to image more sharply and offer the deepest, clearest field.

Is this common?
michaelkingdom

Showing 1 response by pryso

In my experience, there are no "black backgrounds" in live music presentation. Instead the soundfield is filled with multiple reflections from different points in the room, be it large or small.

I remember many years ago (decades actually) auditioning a new ML preamp owned by a friend. It offered a black background and each instrument stood out in relief. At first that was very impressive for such a level of detail. But after a brief listen it occurred to me that sounded unlike any live performance I'd ever heard.

Like everything in audio, it is a personal choice. But I'll guess my story tells where my preferences lie.