It's all about the room itself, the position and angling of the speakers, and acoustic room treatment. Spend the $ on Advil and start moving stuff around.
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!
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- 17 posts total
lewm I can’t say that I am totally satisfied with the soundstage but, I’m not sure whether the culprit is the Voltis themselves, the room treatment or speaker placement. I have experimented with placement but not to the inth degree nor with an expert. Some recordings are better than others. Definitely have a lot of left - right going on with vocals in the center but, that’s not “soundstage”. |
Firstly for the Volti speakers get rid of the Pass integrated - it is as dry as a bone - look at tube power amps. Secondly for analogue front end, in my view you should prioritise a very good phono stage, the best you can afford - you can always upgrade the cartridge later. I'd rather have a great phono and modest well designed cartridge than the other way round. |
You’ll have to fine-tune speaker placement and, depending on the size of your room, tame side reflections as well. Other than that, a good phono will help you get more out of that nice TT setup you have. Instead of compromising, consider buying an outstanding pre used -- a CAT with phono for example |
- 17 posts total