Your intuition is correct - there is no substitute for properly executed SE's in an appropriate system in terms of spatiality. What people tend to forget, however, is that space is not perceived simply in terms of proportion (width and depth), but in terms of its nature. What does this mean? Space is not separate from the soundwaves that move through it and a stereo should lend the perception of this nature. With SE triodes - properly matched to a system and invariably NOS-tubed - the movement of the sound through the space is more "real" to our perceptions (that perceive such existential cues at a very deep level of listening). What you desire, but find it hard to articulate because you have perceived these spatial qualities at a deep level when you weren't thinking, is not only volume created by the parameters of width and depth, but also a spatial correctness. If you want this now, then you must consider moving beyond EL34/6550 push-pulls. Incidentally, get the Modwright mod; not because of depth considerations, but because it will improve imaging.
Depth of sound stage--I need help
I have a 14x18 listening room with Audio Physic Tempo EXs on the short wall set up per Cardas speaker placement guidelines. I am running Quicksilver Silver 60 mono amps(older version) with a VTL 2.5 preamp, and a Sony SACD 333ES changer. I have Silver Audio interconnects an DH-Labs Q-10 speaker cable. On the power end I am using a Monster Cable HTS1000 surge protector and Synergystic Research AC Master couplers on the amps and preamp. I have a very wide sound stage and for the most part the system (albiet modest) sounds pretty good. What I am missing is that 3D sense of the artist being right there with you. It is not nearly as "lifelike" as some of the systems I have heard (Most notably SET Cary gear). Where do I look for improvement--My room, the source, amp, preamp, cables? Or is the bottom line that I have just fallen for what people call the Cary "majik"? Please advise.
Thanks,
Greg
Thanks,
Greg