B&W 'New' 800 Series

Gonna try and do a proper audition today

Hey, Bo: I have been following many of your different posts for a long time, and I think I know where you are coming from regarding realistic imaging and soundstage. I wanted to ask your thoughts on what I will call 'placement of stage'- in other words: forward, middle, rear. It varies by recording and system, but what do you consider best/most realistic reproduction? And what are the limiting factors?

Specifically, my system does a great job reproducing stage width and depth, with music swirling around the speakers, just behind them, as well as going back to a perceived 20 feet (percussion in orchestra). My system does not have much of a forward stage at all. As it happens, I like that, but I am always placed in row 12 and almost never in row 1.

Can you offer your opinions and experiences about how your top quality systems create the 'placement of stage'.- Thanks

Thanks Bo. My question has nothing to do with B&W or any manufacturer of equipment. I was really trying to focus on front to back soundstage, within the realm of your experience with the 'best' results. Just wondering if I may be missing out on some phenomenon you have mastered. But your reply has helped in other areas too. Obtaining 1M imaging beyond the sides of speakers is normal for me, even 1.3M. But that is the limit of my system, but I only use vinyl and Redbook CD. Your 2M is exceptional with your new recording methods.

Let's put aside the other details for a moment. I accept your accomplishments and give you ample credit for all. It sounds like you have similar imaging to my system around and behind your speakers. I share your demand for realistic intimacy and proper scale of instruments/voices. In your best systems, how much soundstage do you achieve in front of your speakers? I am getting only about 0.5M.

One day I will list photos of my room and rig. My room is 10M x 9M x 3.5M. Seating position is 5.5M from face of speakers. Having true intimacy in that seating position is difficult, although my system does a nice job. My limiting factor is likely that my speakers are only 2.0M apart to the centers. I would love to widen them, but it will not work with my room setup (and WAF).

So, how much image do you generally achieve (or expect) in front of your speakers? Do you achieve a strong forward image in addition to your mid and rear image? What advice can you give for a rather large room and seating position as far back as mine?

Thanks from Florida