How important is it for you to attain a holographic image?

I said before that the idea of a ’holographic’ image is not all that important to me. But if I use that term, and maybe I use it wrong, that represents an image that has a near perfect representation of a projected realistic (sound) image. In other words that means to me : drums, 4 feet behind lead guitar and maybe a little behind the speakers, bass player 6 feet to the left, rhythm guitar 4 feet to the right, lead singer 8 feet in front of me and well in front of the speakers, voice 4.75 feet off the ground, lead singers just behind and to the left of the speakers.

I do not get that with my system. And I don’t think many recordings give that sort of image.

On the other hand, if the sound image was perfectly flat, or just in a big messy ball in the middle or if the music sounded like it was being piped out of my speakers like a hose, then yes, that would be a deal breaker.

As others have mentioned, even with a low end system I can usually get the speakers in the right place to at least have the sound in the middle and out in front of the speakers and with some hint of 3 dimensionality.

Orpheus 10,

Thanks for the info.

I feel sorry for audiophiles who are younger than me, and that includes just about everybody.

When I was getting my audiophile act together, I spent so much time at high end salons, that my wife swore I was seeing another women; no way would she believe that I would spend most of the day until late in the evening listening to audio equipment, but I was totally spellbound by these incredible 3D sounds; not only could you hear the performer, but it seemed that they were invisible, and in the room.

This was top of the line equipment that I couldn't afford, and a lot of what I heard, I still can't afford, but I remember the sound, and that's what's important; that way, you know what it is that you are after.

Not until you hear top of the line equipment in perfectly treated rooms will you believe what is possible. Not even with the same identical equipment at audio shows, can they duplicate what I heard, because the don't have the time and the room. They spent great effort on the most minute details in these "high end salons", and that's how they achieved such spectacular results.

Words can not describe what the best components together sound like; you have to hear it for yourself, and the "high end salons" gave you that opportunity, you knew what the best and most expensive sounded like even if you couldn't afford it.

Here is something I accomplished that may help you a little; while I was going to those salons, I decided to rate "Stereophile's" rating system; was it valid or invalid; I pronounced it valid; when I evaluated the equipment they had rated, I came to the same conclusion. Although if a component is on that line where it barely made "A" or "B", that can be an iffy situation, and they explain it.

Without going to audio shows, this forum and audio magazine ratings are all you have to rely on.

Are you looking for opinions or are you looking for the means to attain it?  Three dimensionality in your soundstage is possibly most effected by (my descending order?)
1. room acoustics, 2. speaker placement, 3. near field listening (or otherwise), 4. and speaker design.  If these things aren't right for your room your electronic choices may be a mute point.
Read, experiment, make adjustments, listen, be patient.  I use a combination of Corner Tunes, Tube Traps, and Bybee products.  Great results...

Orpheus 10,

Very true,

Audio salons nowadays are nothing like they used to be. (I’m probably as old or older than you are.) when I recently went to look for speakers at the two that were in my area, the presentation was ridiculous.  I don’t know how they sell anything.

On your other point, I’m not sure that three dimensionality is what I’m ultimately  after.  I don’t doubt it’s a sign of a top rate system, but I don’t think it will make me appreciate the music any more.  As others have said, there are a lot of other factors which are important for musical gratification.  That’s why some refer to it as a “trick.”  It doesn’t necessarily help you get to the heart of the music.
Having said that, I certainly would like to have it just for fun.