1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 123575-7610

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

Showing 4 responses by jeffga

jeffga OP
89 posts
 
Thanks everyone!  The XLR cables are from Grover Huffman (very good cables).  I am using a ThetaGen VIII DAC (latest) using its internal preamp.  Speakers are GR Research Alpha LS (highly modded), speaker cables are Amadi's.   Again, the only two things that changed are the amp and going to balanced IC's.  All good suggestions!  Will try the polarity on speaker cables, speaker placement (including toe-in).  I cannot go back to the RCA IC's yet as the Maker amp is XLR input (only) -- however, I have an adapter shipping to me so I can try going back to the previous RCA cables.  Again, the Maker amp does everything great, just wanting a more specific center image. 
jeffga OP
89 posts
 
Wow Al....many thanks for your interest and help!!  One interesting tidbit...when I had the Samsons, I used a Cardas XLR to RCA adapter at the DAC side (so to get more output via the AES outputs on the DAC & not need a preamp), thus could use RCA IC's.  The imaging was superb.  BTW, I switch speaker leads and imaging improved, though still not the middle specificity on vocals.  However, on classical / orchestral, the Maker soundstage is uncanny.  Wide, deep and specific..this is weird.  Seems vocals and rock music have the issue.  The Maker sounds fantastic, just freaky clarity.  Thanks again..I will report once the RCA's are re-inserted.
jeffga OP
89 posts
 
All great suggestions and comments.  It is true that changing amps can/will change the sonic characteristics.  It is, in fact different.  Better in most ways.  I was simply wondering if anyone had experienced a similar imaging change and was able to affect it by doing certain things (like you guys are suggesting).  I will continue experimenting.  BTW, both the TRL and Maker amps are killer.....and I have owned quite a few in my day.  Thanks again!
jeffga OP
89 posts
 
Returned from Mexican vacation and the adapter arrived.  First I simply reversed polarity on one speaker...improved center image (using the XLR cables).  Then, switched to RCA IC's with the adapters (at amp only).  This fixed the problem!!  Perfect center image and huge depth in soundstage.  RCA out of Theta (no adapter) to Maker amp with RCA to XLR adapter......sounds fabulous!  The Maker amp is great.
More to discover