Holographic Soundstage ?


I would like to share my observation and hopefully get some input from people who have the same interest.

My system consist of Wharfedale Opus 3 , Krell KRC-3 preamp, Krell KSA 150 amp, Chord Qutest DAC and a computer with JCAT USB EX running Roon/with LPSU from HDPlex.
I mainly like holographic soundstage and would be able to achieve a very good 3D soundstaging with my current Krell setup.
I decided to try out tube amp a couple days ago because I read through the internet and everybody told me that tube amp always have better holographic soundstage and 3D imaging comparing to SS amp.
So I order a Raven Blackhawk MK3 from Raven audio with 45 days home trial just to try it out. I was expecting a very holographic soundstage that will blow my Krell out of the water.
Well, I was so WRONG. The Krell combo actually has a deeper and wider soundstage comparing to the Raven.
The Raven also has some very weak bass comparing to the Krell which is more punchy and tonally rich textured bass.
I cannot understand why it happens. I am always under the impression that tube amp will always provide more holographic soundstage. Obviously, In my set up the Krell is superior when it come to 3 dimensionality.

I will keeping trying out the Raven Blackhawk in the next couple of weeks and if things are not improved. I am ready to return the Raven and perhaps trying out the other tube amps (or solid state amps) that can beat the Krell combo.

If any one has some idea of such a product, please let me know. I am looking for an upgrade right now.

128x128viethluu
I enjoy holographic imaging, soundstage filling of my room and listener envelopment factor with a 500 bucks system...

Control vibration yes, and decrease electrical grid noise floor...

BUT mainly my results are related to acoustic controls of my room...

Then many factors enter the equations.... But acoustic is one important factor....


Also know that that holographic sound quality is partly due to what's coming out of your source components.

I didn't find the Chord Qutest to be particularly holographic in sound. A Denafrips Pontus II made a big difference for me in changing how my entire system sounds.

Also, using a computer as your source versus a dedicated streamer with a cleaner signal could have an effect as well.
Tube amplifiers are very speaker sensitive and it is obvious that the wharfedale speakers are not good on a tube amp if you hear weak bass and a loss of dynamics you will have to go to a large tube amplifier to be able to drive them and at that point you will drop a ton of money and the soundstage may not be as good as what you have now tweaking your setup will probably make your sounstage better than upgrading your equipment and will pay of with bigger dividends in the long run.
If using a computer the Jcat Ethernet cable is by far the best card for Roon or QA Buz  ,the Jcat usb is good if using your hard drives wav or flac files .
Using the Ajcat Usb,and Ethernets cards ,shut down and isolate the computers functions and noise and using a good linear power supply is a big upgrade 
many streamers unless $$ are cheap and use switch mode power supplies 
heat pipe ,and SS drives are a huge plus also. I have custom voltage regulators ,Mojo  Audio sells with all needed wires a instant  upgrade .