2. analog
  3. 176388-162022

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
81 posts
 

No, I have not experienced an excellent soundstage yet. I bought the Voltis at Greg’s place in Tennessee last year in March and we went over his placement recommendations at that time. He had a much bigger room though and was using really an inferior DAC, at least in my experience. I started out with a DAC (border patrol) exactly like the one he demoed the speakers with and since then found a much better one (Ayre QB9 twenty). Granted the fact that he may have been using better speaker cables than what I have and a better set up otherwise. I’m not aware of the place to load a photo of my system but I will look into it and see if I can. Thanks! Steve

fixedincome
111 posts
 

Get Jim Smith's book titled "Get Better Sound."  Read it, then sweat the small stuff.

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

@hysteve :

I’m not aware of the place to load a photo of my system but I will look into it and see if I can.

 

 

You can post pictures of your system (and info) here: https://systems.audiogon.com/

 

Then everyone can see what you have by clicking / tapping in your username hyperlink

melm
1,082 posts
 

Azimuth, azimuth, azimuth. Correct azimuth provides maximum separation, the critical step in sound-staging. Small adjustments can be heard.

All these folks are telling you many things including how to spend your $$. Fact is, if it doesn’t come off the disk properly it will never be at its best. A VPI set-up will provide a means for adjusting azimuth. Set if first carefully by eye. But learn how to make small adjustments in it and set it by ear. A VPI Dual Pivot Assembly will make that far easier, improve tonearm handling and even SQ. That’s the very best way. You really don’t need expensive set-up stuff.

williewonka
3,082 posts
 

@hysteve you said...

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.

Adjusting the amount of Toe-in might help or perhaps tilting the speakers back a little?

I think your interconnects and power cables should be fine

I’m still thinking it’s the speaker cables

  • I have used similar types of speaker cable and by comparison to more modern cables that employ a significantly better cable geometry, that style of speaker cable will not perofrm to the level you are seeking
  • I would look at Zavfino, or In-Akustik speaker cables

Regards - Steve

More to discover