Why do some amplifiers throw a bigger soundstage than others?

Back in the late ’90s a dealer let me take home a Mesa Baron for the weekend.

I was immediately intrigued and impressed by how up front and close the soundstage was (particularly the vocalist) and how it filled the room to an extent I had never experienced before. At the time I was running a Cary SLA 70 Signature (Cary’s entry level push pull amp) and the reason I did not buy the Mesa and stayed with the Cary (for the time being) was that the soundstage of the Mesa was not nearly as clean and defined as that of the Cary. As a matter of fact, the way I described the soundstage of the Mesa was as being "smoky."

Since then I have owned a couple of other amps (a pair of ARCs and a larger Cary) which provided a larger soundstage, but really nothing quite the same as what the Mesa did, and I have often wondered about that.

I did try to post a link for the Mesa, as I always thought it was a looker, but for some reason A’gon won’t let me do that.

Two reasons:

1. It’s on the recording, and the system is reproducing that recording faithfully because it has the necessary qualities to achieve that.

2. It’s not on the recording, and there are resonances occurring in the system that are causing an effect of reverberation. Examples include feedback from physical vibrations impacting the casework, the electronics, or the mechanical components in the source.

One amplifier be a pitcher. The other be an outfielder?

there are resonances occurring in the system that are causing an effect of reverberation. Examples include feedback

That seems plausible.

When it comes to audio amplifiers, the concept of a "soundstage" refers to the spatial representation and imaging of sound within a recording. It's the ability of an audio system to create a three-dimensional sonic image, where instruments and voices are perceived as coming from specific locations within the soundstage.

The perception of a larger soundstage can be influenced by various factors, including the design and characteristics of the amplifier itself. Here are a few reasons why some amplifiers may be perceived to have a bigger soundstage:

1. Power and dynamics: Amplifiers with higher power output and better dynamic range can reproduce music with greater energy and impact. This can result in a more expansive and immersive soundstage, as the increased power allows for better control over the speakers and the ability to accurately reproduce subtle details in the recording.

2. Low distortion: Amplifiers with low levels of distortion can provide a cleaner and more accurate representation of the audio signal. Distortion can smear the soundstage and reduce the clarity and separation of instruments and voices within the recording. By minimizing distortion, an amplifier can help create a more spacious and defined soundstage.

3. Channel separation: Good channel separation is essential for creating a wide and precise soundstage. It refers to the ability of an amplifier to keep the left and right audio channels separate, preventing crosstalk and ensuring accurate imaging. Amplifiers with excellent channel separation can help localize sounds more precisely and create a wider sense of space.

4. Transient response: The transient response of an amplifier refers to its ability to accurately reproduce sudden changes in the music, such as the attack and decay of musical notes. Amplifiers with fast and precise transient response can provide better imaging and localization, which contributes to a more expansive soundstage.

5. Room acoustics: The soundstage of an audio system is not solely determined by the amplifier itself but is also influenced by the listening environment. Factors like room size, shape, and acoustic treatment can impact the perception of the soundstage. However, a well-designed amplifier can complement the room acoustics and maximize the potential of the soundstage.

It's important to note that the contribution of the amplifier to the overall soundstage is just one piece of the puzzle. Other components in the audio chain, such as speakers, source material, and recording quality, also play significant roles in shaping the perceived soundstage. Therefore, achieving a larger soundstage is a combination of careful system design and optimization across all components.