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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
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Guys it is possible one speaker has been hook up with the leads reversed. This will in fact cause such a sonic character. This is a reasonable course of action. Kind of simple...right? If not the cause, then yes the amp sounds different with the speakers. Small speaker placement changes may also help if not a polarity issue. 
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Guys it is possible one speaker has been hook up with the leads reversed. This will in fact cause such a sonic character.
Bill, yes it will, but as I and Seikosha indicated it will also cause big-time sonic degradation, which the OP has indicated multiple times is not occurring. Although as you indicated it’s easy enough to check, and it is certainly something that should be checked.
If not the cause, then yes the amp sounds different with the speakers.
Not necessarily. The Theta DAC/Preamp is also suspect, as I explained in my previous posts. He is now using a signal path of the Theta that was not used with the previous amp. And furthermore he is now using an output circuit of that previously unused signal path that may have been shorted to ground over a prolonged period of time, and whose condition is therefore highly questionable.

Best regards,
-- Al

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Yes that also Al. The point is these are all valid points and will in the end sort out the end facts. A system can still sound "good" subjectively out of phase on one or both speakers. I have experienced it. 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
It is also possible that the amp itself could have one channel wired out of phase with the other. With balanced equipment this is very easy to do by mistake!

I would reverse the speaker connections on one channel only just to see what happens. Does the center image improve? Is there less information sitting in the speakers and more spread out between them? If so, then we will know that there is indeed a phase problem, and the next step will be to find out where it is.
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!
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