Gaz37 said:
How a valve can create an illusion better than a transistor?
It is an inescapable fact that what we hear as a "soundstage" isn't actually there, it's simply an illusion created by the sound engineer by increasing/decreasing the level of instruments/vocals either from one channel to the other (creating lateral soundstage) or volume (creating the illusion of instruments being closer or farther from the listener) That being the case how, in technical terms, does a valve amplify a signal in a way that enhances that illusion better than a transistor?
Anyone know?
The precise reason is not known for a valve-amp to be better at almost every aspect of (hifi) sound.
One very important thing you forgot about the soundstage: the 'phase' of the different signals! That creates the most of depth to my idea. I think that's where valves excell. Having little (or no) feedback, is an important factor too.
The soundstage is often artificial, yes! But the one thing that only matters is: does it capture and hold your attention. My experience is that (my) valve-sound almost imprisons me!
For almost 30 years ago i had Magnepans MG 1.5 (with SS-amp). The sound i have now is very comparable to that of 30 years ago, but then even much, much better. As i said before somewhere else on this forum: this is my last set-up, i don't have to buy another one, as it leaves me nothing (better) to wish for anymore.