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The most important factor in soundstage imaging

Everybody wants a system that images well. There are  many discussions here positing equipment changes that will improve imaging. Some people think the magic wand is cables, others are sure it’s the preamp, and the ones that don’t think it’s preamps, think it’s amplifiers. And, of course, speakers are (correctly) mentioned. 

However, the single most important factor in audio stereo imaging, is increasing direct radiation and decreasing reflected radiation, by moving the speakers away from the back wall, and away from the side walls. 
phomchick
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Buy what you can afford.  Choose your room.  Set up system. Put on some primo tunes.  Move speakers around until they sound awesome.  Sit back and enjoy.  Avoid neurotic tendencies.  Oh, have a beer (insert favorite drink here)!!
tomcarr
1,694 posts
 
@tomic601. You're right, I can't believe I forgot that! Shame on me, and thank you for the reminder and kind words. Great to hear someone else is getting the results and satisfaction from that book the way I am. 
n80
2,134 posts
 
@whart :    "Even with a good system, well set up in a room, a lackluster recording, mastering, etc. will sound very disappointing"

Agreed and wonder why this isn't always mentioned first. As I understand it, to have a good sound stage there has to be intention on the part of the engineers/producers. If they don't make that effort and know what they are doing then sound stage will be lacking or if not lacking, a matter of circumstance. And it seems like tweaking a system using a poor recording would be frustrating and counterproductive.

So it seems like the first point of advice would be to start with a good recording. I've got The Who's first album. It is in mono. It is not my sound stage reference recording.
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rodman99999
6,206 posts
 
akg_ca, +1 and Mijostyn +1, then- there's TUBES!
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