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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
soix
2,133 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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folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,149 posts
 
Yes, could be polarity especially as you also swapped to XLR as well. it hasn't been unknown for XLR cables to be incorrectly wired. I'd check each one using a multimeter to ensure that none of the connections have been crossed
beewax
173 posts
 
I ran into the same problem few years ago. AES industry standard for balanced audio XLR wiring, commonly known as "pin-2 hot".

Some manufacturers, especially in vintage equipment, do not follow this standard and instead reverse the polarity of pin 2 and 3.

almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
A reversal of polarity between XLR pins 2 and 3 at some point in the signal path would result in diffuse imaging if and only if it occurred in one channel, not both. Presumably a component design in which pin 3 is the non-inverted signal and pin 2 the inverted signal (which is the opposite of the usual convention in the USA and various other countries) would do that in both channels.

Also, given the reference in the OP to excellent sonics (which would certainly be compromised big-time if a polarity reversal was present in one channel), and the level of sophistication that a user of a Maker Audio product can be presumed to have, I would expect that a polarity reversal in one channel is unlikely to be the cause.

Jeffga, what preamp and what speakers are you using? And is there a subwoofer in the system?

Regards,
-- Al
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