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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
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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?

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Sell the Volti’s and get Ohm Walsh’s. 3-D room-filling sound from any listening position! I have a pair. An astonishing speaker! Nothing else will make as big a difference!

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,543 posts
 

Speaker placement.

ghdprentice
6,848 posts
 

I second that you should spend as much on a phono stage as the TT + cartridge… the Phonostage is critical in imaging. I would recommend looking at Audio Reseach  PH8… or the best used you can get in that series. I had a similar table and the sound (and transparency) increased dramatically with each PH upgrade. Presto also  get great reviews… but I think ARC wins for durability.

 

Speakers and placement are critical. If you haven’t point them to cross about 18” behind your listeners seat. Then slowly decrease the toe in. The soundstage should slowly expand. You want to go out until just before the central image starts to weaken.

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