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How do I get the best soundstage?

I have a better than decent digital system. I.e. Pass integrated amp, Innuos streamer and USB reclocker, Ayre DAC with Less Loss power cable and firewall, Volti speakers. I’m my dedicated listening room the digital system is sonically superb to my ear - Except that the soundstage is ok but not the best. So, maybe I missed the boat on that. I have a vintage Technics table and Phono box S2 (basic start for vinyl). I’m now ready to move up to a better TT and phono preamp. I already have a used TT, a VPI Classic, coming. So, I’m looking for advice on how to get an exceptional soundstage. Should I be looking at spending more on the phono preamp or does the cartridge make more of a difference in soundstage. Also, should I be questioning the speakers for soundstage quality?. I’m looking to spend no more that 3500 on a used preamp. The VPI table has a low output mc Transfiguration Axia cartridge. Thanks in advance for any ideas you can share!

hysteve
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,927 posts
 

The phono preamp is as important as the turntable itself. The cartridge is the last in the vinyl chains as far as importance. Of course you need a good cartridge. But Origin live says to spend 30% of budget on each, TT, Arm & Phono preamp and 10% on the cartridge. I believe this to be pretty much correct.

The speaker sure do make a difference also. They should be equidistant from the side walls and not too close to the back wall. Mine are about 3 1/2 ft. from the back wall to front baffle.

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yeti42's avatar
yeti42
287 posts
 

Speaker setup plays a big part. Do a search for Sumiko Masterset and give it a go, all it will cost is time.

Cartridge wise a Transfiguration isn’t a bad place to be but when setting up a unipivot arm measure VTF at record surface height, or if you can’t accept that it will measure higher than it plays and use your ears, just using the measurements for reference.

Something better than a project phonobox might be a good move, if the Pass has a built in MM stage consider a SUT but if it doesn’t there are some fine stages out there.

Volti keep saying their speakers are fun, are you having any?

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