Soundstage...How to determine what's right?

Stereophile made some useful test cd's over the years...you can still get them.

http://ssl.blueearth.net/primedia/home.php?cat=2

Dave

Opus 3 has some 'test CD's' that fit your description of needs. My favorite has been 'Depth of Image' which I have on LP and CD but I think they are now sold over the internet in a series of CD's. Check them out.

The are, for the most part, cuts from a lot of records made of different types of music, classic, jazz, large bands, solo instruments and voices, small groups etc. They are simply miked and each cut has a description of what you should be able to hear from a well set up system. If you find they don't sound as described, trust me, its your problem. They can create a holographic image. They also stress proper timbre and if a 'recorder' doesn't sound like one (and they are hard to record and playback well) its your problem, etc.

As to what you need in your room to maximize imaging -

1) Speakers that are capable of resolving output especially in the highs, without being inherrently bright. Speakers noted for pin point imaging and phasing are usually best if you want to maximize depth of image.

2) Proper set up, including compensation for room induced acoustical problems, is CRITICAL.

2) Electronics which are reasonably 'open', not dull or bright. Transparent to the source.

3) Good recordings made using simple miking techniques are best for maximum imaging but there are some excellent mult miked recording, which can sound pretty darned good when made by a very skilled recording engineer.

High quality imaging isn't a walk in the park. It takes a lot of work and patience to get it to the stage where it is holographic, as like 'I felt I could walk in amoungst the musicians' type of imaging. Not many people ever get there.

Hope that helps a bit.

Just what I was looking for. Thanks so much for the info. May just start with the opus 3 and see what I can accomplish.
thanks
Steve

I've found the 'Chesky Records Jazz Sampler and Audiophile Test Compact Disc Vol. 1' a valuable tool with regards to properly setting up my listening environment. It contains tests that will reveal imaging problems, and the depth (or lack of) sound stage in your system/room combination. Are you working with tubed or solid state gear? I won't entertain any arguments in here, but- solid state has been largely found lacking in depth of soundstage until a certain dollar point is achieved(big bucks).