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How to add depth for classical music

While listening to classical music, especially the orchestral pieces (e.g. Beethoven Piano/Violin Concertos, Symphonies), I find that my system is not giving me the depth, such as layers of instruments etc.   My listening environment is not ideal.  I have hard wood floor and tray ceiling.  On one side, I have windows and on the other side, I have a long corridor.  

Here's my system:
  • Parasound P5 & A23
  • Sonus Faber Venere 3.0
  • Bluesound Node2i
  • Chord Qutest

Would a new preamp/amp or integrated amp help?   I've auditioned Moon (SimAudio) 340iX and thought it's more opened than my Parasound.   But for some strange reason, I didn't really like the sound.   Maybe I need to audition again.  

Would room treatment help?  But my options are limited because of my room.

Love to hear your thoughts.
pc_audio
d2girls's avatar
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d2girls
1,029 posts
 
mix of diffusion and absorption for back wall, ceiling and window on left. a carpet is a must. other then that I really dont think your equipment is the cause of your lack of depth. Try placing speaker further into the room and farther apart. play with toe in. these physical adjustments and additions to room will make most difference, as would changing speaker to one with a wider and more even horizontal dispersion. speakers with wider horizontal dispersion have been tested to sound better with properties of proper stereo imaging and depth.
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
+1 d2girls.  You don't need different gear, you need better room treatment.

Imaging issues are usually in the plane as necessary room treatment.  So, if you are missing depth, the problems are going to be behind the speakers, and behind you.

Talk to GIK acoustics, they give great advice, reasonable prices and effective products.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
Agreed with two posts above me regarding room treatments...but I think you may also want to consider a single (or pair) of subs.  Your speakers only go down to 38Hz and that's likely limiting the depth of sound stage and layering that you seek.  So treat the room first, then listen.  Then consider subs if you want to take it to the next level.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I have no experience with your equipment, but based on user comments I've seen here and elsewhere about your Parasound electronics, the Node2i, and the Qutest, and after doing a bit of research on the speakers, I'm struck by exactly one thing: The speakers are **extremely** light relative to their size, as audiophile-oriented speakers go (45.5 x 13.3 x 17.2 inches; 47 pounds). Which leads me to suspect that they are the weak link in your system, not only in terms of the compromised image depth you refer to, but probably in other respects as well.

Just a thought to consider. Good luck.  

-- Al

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