Can you have a huge 3D soundstage in a small room?

My room is similar to yours in dimensions, and I can get excellent depth and a fairly wide soundstage but still not as wide as in a wider room. On some recordings, I can get sounds coming from outside the speakers and even directly to the right or left of the listening position. I'm using relatively phase-coherent speakers (full-range electrostats) and treating the first reflection zones with diffusion (fake ficus trees).

I agree with Zargon that the Vandies are very capable in the imaging department. Unless your room is overly bright, my standard suggestion is to try fake ficus trees along the sidewalls in the first reflection zones (typically $29.95 each in your local craft store). If your room is too bright, then absorption in the first reflection zones might work better.

You might also try nearfield listening - that is, with your listening chair less than 6 feet from the speakers. The direct sound should dominate with such a setup. Now the driver integration may be a problem at such close range, but experiment with different ear heights (try slouching more than normal) and see if that doesn't help snap the imaging into focus. The

Duke

Zargon, Audiokinesis, I have tried many different locations and methods over the years. I have had the best results with the recomended Vandy placement according to their specs. Currently the 2CEs are almost 3 feet off the back wall, about 5 feet from the right side wall and 30 feet from the left side wall. There is about 12 inches behind the listening position to the back wall. Short wall placement is not an option. The room is carpeted. I would say that the room is bright because I have to turn the treb and mid adjustments down about 2 db to smooth things out. I will be investing in some wall treatments as soon as I get things sorted out. I am currently running

Wadia 861
Supratek pre amp
VTL MB 125 amps (upgrading soon to VTL MB 450)
Cardas Golden Cross interconect
Kimber Bifocal XL speaker cable
(2) Vandy 2WQ subs with model 5 xover

Thanks

I don't think you will ever get there in a 13' deep room.

I have similar dimensions, but have the speakers situated on the 13 foot wall. The imaging is often outside of the speaker, given the material, of course, and the depth of soundstage is very good. I attempted placement similar to yours, but found much restriction in all areas that you are trying to improve on. Plus I was seated so close to the speakers.

The distance I now have is 3-4' from sidewalls, 8-9' from front, and nearly 20' from rear wall. The ceiling is a mere 7', which is the largest drawback. Yet, I am still obtaining a very musical presentation.

I have no experience with Vandi's, but I have heard complimentary discussion regarding imaging and disappearing.

The only way to get close to what you want is to put the speakers on the short wall, 7-8 feet apart. Then pull the speakers well out from the wall, 5 feet or more, and treat the first reflection points on the side walls with absorptive material. I don't think you wanted to hear this, but it's the only way to achieve what you're looking for. Long wall placement in a narrow room will never create a deep soundstage.