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Changed amps - center image moved

I recently changed amplifiers from TRL Samson (monos) to Maker Audio Ref 2A stereo amp.  Both amps are superb but using the same associated equipment (DAC preamp, sources, speakers) my center image changed significantly.  I did go from single ended to balanced interconnects.  The Maker has a much wider image (well beyond outside of speaker but the center image is diffuse (not specific).  Also, with the Maker amp, more sound comes directly from the speaker (very little w the Samsons).  The TRL Samsons had a specific center image but more narrow width (very little outside of speaker).   In a perfect world, I would have the specific center image plus the ultra wide space.  Anyone experienced a similar situation and how (were) you able to optimize.  Don't get me wrong though, the Maker is fabulous in every aspect....killer detail without edginess, dynamics that are breathtaking.

Just trying to figure ways to re-attain the center image specificity.  Suggestions?


jeffga
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,397 posts
 
Are you using any acoustic treatments on the front wall between your speakers? And how far away from the wall are your speakers?
Some absorbtion between the speakers can help with a more focused image, along with distance between the speaker and wall.

Also, heavy rack units between the speakers can cause diffused imaging. Speakers must be pulled forward of the rack or furniture unit.
czarivey
5,745 posts
 
Mono amps can give more precise image because of an ideal channel separation.
It's your trade I guess.  
New amp would certainly dictate new speaker placement and more experiments: closer or farther from wall; narrower or wider distance and also listening distance too.
Make sure you'll leave it on for at least few days and see if things change after the electronic components settle. 
seikosha
218 posts
 
My experience is that it's not uncommon at all for imaging to change when one changes amplifiers.  If you prefer the imaging you had with the original amplifiers, you may be able to get it back just by repositioning your speakers.  Take time and experiment.
soix
8,850 posts
 
This sounds a little too dramatic to just be attributable to changing amps. It sounds a lot like you have inverted polarity somewhere, which would do exactly what you’re describing to the imaging. I’d go back and check you have all your interconnects and cables properly connected positive to positive and negative to negative. If you do, I’d try reversing the polarity on the amp or speaker side (but not both) and see if things snap back into focus. The other thing to check is if your preamp has an inversion switch you may have inadvertently flipped in swapping equipment.  In any event, this does not sound right. 

One last thought.  Not sure how it would cause this, but I'd go back to my prior interconnects if the new amp has single ended inputs just to take another variable out of the equation.  Good luck.

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