Changed amps - center image moved

P.S: I took a look at the descriptions and the manual for your Theta DAC/Preamp. The one point I’d highlight after looking at them is that in addition to changing the amp and the cables, by changing from RCA to XLR cables between the Theta and the amp you are now utilizing within the Theta (for each channel) two DAC chips, two volume control mechanisms, and two analog signal paths rather than just one of each of those things that were used previously.

In other words, while the signal applied to the RCA output connector for each channel is produced by the same DAC chip and subsequent analog signal path that provides the signal to one of the two signal pins on the XLR connector (probably pin 2), the other signal pin on the XLR connector (probably pin 3) is provided with a signal produced by a completely different (although supposedly identical) DAC chip and subsequent analog signal path. And that different DAC chip and different analog signal path within the Theta were not in use when you were connecting via RCAs.

You can see that in the block diagram on page 11 of the manual, as well as in the description at the Theta website:

http://www.thetadigital.com/downloads/Generation%20VIII%20Series%203.pdf

http://www.thetadigital.com/generation_viii_series_3_dac_preamplifier_info.shtml

So in addition to the possible causes of the issue that have been referred to previously, the Theta itself cannot be ruled out as a suspect at this point. And if changing the XLR cables to RCA cables + adapters resolves the problem, it would NOT necessarily mean that the XLR cables are to blame. In fact if that turns out to be the case I would expect it to be much more likely that the Theta is the root cause of the problem, rather than the cables, assuming there isn’t an outright miswire in one of the cables (which seems very unlikely given the good sonics you have reported).

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

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.

I looked at the picture of that amp and I could see myself easily wiring the right speaker in reverse polarity. Every amp I had has the red (positive) speaker terminal to the right of the black or above it. The Maker has them mirrored so it may be possible you wired one speaker out of phase.

2 thoughts.  

Usually going from rca to xlr, soundstage expands, airier.   rca has tighter sound.   Not better but different.  Maybe just hearing the differences.

When I was shopping for SS amp, investigated Maker and found this interesting review.  Maker Audio NL14+   It mentioned imaging outlines weren't as razor sharp so possible amp natural characteristics.   I emailed Tom Maker with questions but never got a response so moved on.   

I had TRL Samsons and it's an excellent amp.  It was 1st SS amp since Krells and NO contest.  Mine had XLR but still a singled design.  Wasn't a good match with new balanced pre so had to move on.

Why is there so much concern about a center image changing with an amp change as though something has to be wrong with the rig? What jeffga has described is typical; every component has its own set of sonic characteristics. The description of more sound coming from the speakers is not out of character for switching amps; some have more of this than others. He didn't say there was a gross diminishment in the sound or that the center image had grown fuzzy, merely that it was more diffuse and larger. That is certainly not a concern as though something is wrong with the setup. 

Having worked with dozens of amps I assure you that such changes are common and to be expected. This is a very regular occurrence for me, and it is not the result of mis-wiring or another problem in the rig. The proper attitude should be to suspect something wrong if one swapped amps and perceptually nothing changed! The interconnects also influence the spatial characteristics of the sound, and moving from RCA to XLR can do so, as well as different brands/models. When you change both amp and cables you had better hear a significantly different sound, or else you have wasted your money/time (Unless the new component/cables are significantly cheaper and result in similar sound quality - but this is rare). 

jeffga, you said, "In a perfect world, I would have the specific center image plus the ultra wide space." I smiled when I saw that. This is the world of the audiophile; when you hear one setup with characteristics you enjoy, then change the rig, you have a shift in system characteristics, some more pleasurable, and some less. Welcome to crafting an audio system! It's an art that sometimes takes a while until you get everything just so. I suggest you revisit positioning, i.e. toe in, of speakers to get a ready solution to the center image, which may get you to the happy compromise sound between size and precision of center image. :)