The slightly constrained image depth is true.Thst is because the 318B was designed with a moderate amount of negatve feedback so it could drive/control most mainstream sort of speakers.Which also gives it quite tight bass by SET standards.So it is a very good all-rounder .I had a variable negative feedback dial installed on mine and found that I preferred it with less negative feedback but not no negative feedback [I believe the 318A uses no negative feedback]. With slightly less feedback the image depth greatly improves and it sounds a bit warmer and sweeter.Of course with less negative feedback you need genuine 8 ohm speakers.