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

As @yeti42 said, try the Sumiko Setup.  These are the instructions I use: https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?p=979168

You're not going to get it on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd try but don't get discouraged.  I have the patience of Mike Tyson losing a boxing match and I was able to stick it out and get it mostly right.  You'll try it and not really hear much difference the first few times. Then you'll have an "ah ha" moment. After listening for awhile longer you'll realize it was just an "ah" moment but now you know something is different. A few more tries and you'll get it. Best bass doesn't mean loudest, it means sound pressure; you can feel the difference.  At the end the speakers may not be the same distance from the front wall or even the exact same toe in. Some people can't stand this and just give up. That's ok. It's not for everyone. At least you'll get a taste of what you should be looking for regardless of your setup method. My local dealer uses this on all his demos. He doesn't even put marks on the floor. He sets the speakers new up every time. Once you get good, it takes about 15 minutes to get most of the way there.

Gotta agree with speaker placement too, plus a well recorded/engineered LP. IMO, if the soundstage is within the recording(s), you should be able to reproduce it, and it seems you have the equipment to do so.

That said, yes, I think both the cart and phono pre can get the most from any recording, including the stage, but you can’t reproduce what isn’t there.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to write some really helpful info! 

Cheers

Oh and yes yeti42, I am really enjoying the Voltis now. They are the entry level Razz. I had to really work to get the bass output ie with upgraded DAC, reclocker and cables. Each incremental upgrade helped and the less loss cables really did finished the job. I don’t look for bass when it’s not in the music or boomy bass when it is. It seems perfect now.