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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
hysteve OP
78 posts
 

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

Cheers

hysteve OP
78 posts
 

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. 

lak's avatar
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lak
4,612 posts
 

Posted twice:

 

bigslacker's avatar
bigslacker
41 posts
 

Don't forget about treating the room. The best sounding gear in a crappy sounding room will sound crappy.

This worked best for me for speaker placement. Get those speakers away from the wall.

 

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I haven't listened to your speakers but they may not be the best for soundstage.  If I was in your shoes, I'd consider that.  Try to borrow some more conventional 3 way speakers with an exceptional midrange.  Midrange is where the soundstage exists.  Not sure how horns affect soundstage.  Some others with horn speakers may chime in but I would wonder if the horn design is affecting soundstage.  

Agree with speaker placement.

Also, for soundstage, I think your best results come with the minimalist approach.   The less times the signal is touched by the system the better your soundstage will be.  Pass is a good amp but ss amps always do a lot more to the signal.

Jerry

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