2. amps-preamps
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Seeking more 3d imaging, deeper/wider soundstage

I'm considering replacing either my amp or my pre. My system is profiled in my system link. Which do you think would improve soundstage/imaging more:
Replace the P3? I'd consider used McCormack, or a passive line stage, but my amp clips at 5v, which is what my DAC puts out when using the XLR outputs, and I'd like to try those someday...not sure a passive is a good fit for my system? Plus I require a remote. That's a deal breaker.
Replace the Rotel RB-1080? I'd consider parasound (a21 is a bit too pricey for me), used McCormack, odyssey, maybe even older krell or classe. I want XLR inputs tho.
Budget is $900-$1200 for either. Music spans the full gamut, excluding hip hop and country. Room is small, 12x12x8. I'm going to throw up some affordable foam acoustic absorption this summer (foam factory). Thnx in advance.
realremo
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,867 posts
 
I'd experiment with moving speakers further out from front wall and also at least a few feet from side walls as well.

Try to get sound reflected from primary reflection points on walls based on your main listening position to travel as close to twice the distance as direct sound, in order to get timing of reflected sound correct and also avoid early reflections from being too close to the walls.

That should improve imaging.

Then experiment with positions closer to walls from there but no closer than a couple feet or so to avoid early reflections that smear soundstage and imaging.

Wall treatments might not be needed once the best location for soundstage and imaging is determined. Or if positions closer to walls is needed from there, absorbing wall panels at primary reflection points can help.

Bass levels may lower unfortunately with less proximity to walls for re-inforcement. Optimizing for bass levels and soundstage can be hard to achieve together sometimes. FUrther tweaking of location relative to walls might help, or a sub or subs can be added to add bass extension, if needed.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,867 posts
 
With those speakers, in a small room like that (I have a room same size practically that I have dealt with but more densely furnished and less bare walls which helps, see my supplemental system photos), bass levels/extension is probably not a problem, so need for subs is unlikely.

A couple feet or so from walls to avoid early reflections may be all that is needed for better results.
philb7777
401 posts
 
All the above is great advice. Start with maximizing speaker placement. Looking at your system pics, I am not surprised by the lack of soundstage depth. The sub may need more placement tweaking too. After maximizing placement, only then would I start down the path of room treatments - which you very well could still need.

Here is a good place to start: http://www.cardas.com/room_setup_main.php

Be patient and do everything in a step wise process ALWAYS listening to your preferred reference track between each move. Good luck - I know you will find the soundstage depth and width you want!
bcgator's avatar
bcgator
356 posts
 
What great responses...kudos to everyone for not immediately jumping on the "buy this new amp!" bandwagon. I completely agree...you have a fantastic grouping of components, you should be very proud. Before I'd spend a penny on any electronics replacements, I'd do exactly what everyone recommends and experiment with getting those Quads out into the room, maybe 2-3 feet from all walls if possible. You really do have nice components, nice speakers (have always liked those Quads), I have high expectations that you are probably no more than some placement tweaking and/or wall treatments away from audio heaven.
bigkidz
3,435 posts
 
try filtering your ac, borrow form a dealer to see if that also helps. Nothing fancy, try something cheap.
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