Where should the vocal image be?


1. On the same plane as the speakers.

2. About mid way between the listener and the speakers plane.

3. Right up to the listener.  

andy2

All good presentations I have heard have an image on or behind the speaker plane. With my system most recording appear 5-10ft behind the speakers to simulate depth of the soundstage.

It's could be quite subjective as I would prefer the vocal to be at least mid way between the listener and the speaker plane.  I understand this would trade off soundstage depth.  This leads to another related topic as would you prefer that "they are there" or "you are there."

4-5 feet behind the speaker plane.

Test Tracks:

Roger Waters Amused, Billy.

Chesky Jazz Audiophile Vol 2. #47

 

Don't blame me if you wet yourself.

Opus 3 test disc ; depth of image. And speakers typically with steep slopes and or drivers in series and other high negative FB gear or phase shift in the chain can destroy or diminish image depth. With the possible exception of Amused to Death, i wouldn’t look to a multi track recording with a reverb tank for a 3D imaging benchmark….

Jim

+1 for Chesky Jazz Audiophile Vol 2. #47

The entire Opus series of test recordings is also a great resource.