Sound stage

The OP refers to both despite the title of the thread.

^That's where the confusion started.:-).

For the sake of the OP: soundstage refers to the perception of the dimensions of height, width, depth, and the shape within those parameters. Imaging refers to the perceived individual placement and dimensions of the performers within the soundstage.

In some instances these attributes are due to attempts to capture a more literal recording of what occurred during the actual recording of the artists. In other instances the perceptions are the result of artistic(?) manipulation by the engineer(s). Yet, in other instances these perceptions are the result of combinations of the former and the later by the recording engineer(s).

The level to which these attributes can be appreciated by the listener depends on all of the above, and upon the users equipment, listening room, setup and positioning as well the individual listener's hearing.

Here are a couple tools, for determining whether your system and listening room are capable of image resolution and sound stage reproduction: (http://www.audiocheck.net/audiotests_ledr.php) (http://www.amazon.com/Chesky-Records-Sampler-Audiophile-Compact/dp/B000003GF3) The Chesky CD includes the LEDR, as well as a sound stage test/demo. If your system performs well with these tests, recording venue ambience/dimensions and instrument/vocal placement will be as good as the recording quality allows. Of course, if you're spinning vinyl- much depends on how well your cart, arm, cables and phono stage capture and convey what's on your records.