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


Have started upgrading my system and will be trying to optimize the soundstage. A lot of reading has me thinking that I really don't have enough information and experience to get there.
Terms like "congestion, width, depth, and height" have me wondering how much is in the recording and how much is introduced by the system? Are there reference type cd's that people use to determine how their system is progressing? I so, could you help with a list of cuts with info regarding the placement of vocals, instruments and examples that contain material that is not congested?
Thanks for any help.
Steve
scoly1
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).
I second the chesky recommendation; It will explain each audiophile term and then give you a example to listen to;this is a very good cd to use for evaluation of your entire system.
I have both CD's mentioned by Rodman and they are good ones!

Additionally another good Chesky CD is: The Ultimate Demonstration Disc: "Guide to Critical Listening". It contains some wonderful music. More importantly however, each musical track was chosen for its ability to convey transparency, midrange purity, imaging etc., and each includes a preface track, verbally defining what you should be listening for/hearing....
More to look at. Thanks again. Looks like a person could spend a fortune just for demo disc. Will have to narrow it down to one or two. Any chance of getting thoughts on the best two or is that to personal a decision?
All solid state. Haven't ventured into tubes though have been tempted. Read so much about the sound of tubes. Afraid that if I slip into that I might not find my way back.
Thanks again,
Steve
I have the Chesky Ultimate Demonstration Disc as well as the Sheffield disc. I like the Shieffield disc for its 'walk about' cut, and its 'out of phase' cut but other than that it didn't impress me. It does have 'burn in' tracks some might like to use.

I didn't find the Chesky disc all that useful, especially compared to the Opus 3 disc's, which are much more varied and easier to 'understand'. But I did get the Opus 3's first and was thoroughly familar with them when I got the Chesky. And, I've got to admit that perhaps my system just wasn't up to the level where I could appreciate the benefits of the Chesky, a label I have been more disappointed by than impressed. FWIW - YMMV.