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Is soundstaging emblematic of reality?

Now that finally I have a system that soundstages excellently, I’m wondering if it’s actually  a vital component of a real concert experience.  In most genres of music, unless you’re sitting very close to the action, you don’t get the kind of precise imaging revealed in a good stereo setup.  That’s because microphones are usually (with some rare exceptions) placed close up. If you’re sitting in the middle to back section of an audience (which most people do) you certainly don’t hear anything close to holographic imaging, or even what most people accept as satisfactory imaging. 
Granted, it’s loads of fun to hear this soundstaging. And I certainly love it.  Some people might consider it the ideal music experience. But is it an essential component of musical enjoyment?


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wlutke
728 posts
 
Rvpiano
+1, Soundstaging and imaging insure that the musicians are in the room.  Expression and interplay insure they are interesting.  
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
Sound staging and imaging, put me in the venue.    Instruments and people have size, shape and weight/impact.   A live venue; dimensions and resonances.  Good imaging and sound staging, will resolve all(given a good recording).  
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
Everyone has different listening preferences.  One person's appreciation of imaging and soundstage is another annoying distraction.  

In listening to classical music, I personally consider strong imaging and soundstage reproduction an enhancement to the listening pleasure.  
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Soundstaging exists in the imagination!
rodman99999
6,159 posts
 
The dimensions and Sabine acoustics of any live venue are reality. The reproduction and/or consciousness of such, depends on everything from recording/microphone setup, to the end listener’s system, speakers, room, ears and brain. (https://audioengineusa.com/explore/what-is-a-soundstage/) (https://audiophilereview.com/audiophile-news/is-stereo-imaging-overrated.html) (https://www.stereophile.com/asweseeit/1286awsi/index.html) The OP asked, "But is it an essential component of musical enjoyment?" Some people simply do not care about it’s reproduction. Some of us, interested in a more realistic reflection of an actual musical event, do.
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