Soundstage drastically worsened when I replaced a solid state AV amp with tubes.


IMG_3971.jpg

Hello. I am streaming music with Qobuz and Apple Music through a McIntosh MX123 A/V processor, into a McIntosh MC8207 7-channel solid state amplifier (200 watts x 7 channels), into Klipsch La Scala speakers (105 dB sensitivity). (I also have an SVS 2000 sub-woofer.) (The components are behind the wall in the photo.) With that setup, I had a 180 degree soundstage, extending laterally well beyond my speakers and from ceiling to floor in height. I wanted to see if tubes would improve the system for music listening, so I added a McIntosh MC275 amp to power the front L and R LaScalas. Now the MC8207 is used only to power the surround speakers. The MC275 improved the warmth of the music and greatly increased the bass. However, the lateral soundstage is gone. I now have a deeper soundstage focused perfectly between the speakers, but the lateral and height extensions are gone. It is as though I am back in the 1950s listening to a single mono speaker directly in front of my listening position. The music is beautiful, but I miss the soundstage. Other than replacing the amp for the LaScalas, everything else is the same. I did have to temporarily add an extension chord to the McIntosh power cord until I can get one of the proper length, so that could be the culprit. Otherwise, does anyone have any ideas regarding why the soundstage so drastically changed? I expected the soundstage to improve with the tubes, but it worsened. Thanks for your thoughts!

therandyman

It is as though I am back in the 1950s listening to a single mono speaker directly in front of my listening position.

Are you 100% sure the mode switch on the MC275 is set to stereo and not mono?

@therandyman While it does not help much in your case already owning the MX123 pre-pro, a group helping another forum member years back with in a hybrid audio / video system were using the MC2500 preamp (with HT pass-thru) paired with the MC275 tube amp for the 2ch setup, also using a separate AVR to power the rest of the speakers for the theater setup. They were going for a better synergy for the 2ch part of they system if I recall correctly. 

Someone hinted at something earlier... 1) how old is the 275 of yours, 2) how many ours on it?  3) how long are you letting it warm up before listening? ...Is it a brand-spanken-new 275 amp?