Seeking more 3d imaging, deeper/wider soundstage

Dear Bo,

Your tone of voice in your posts and your positioning of yourself as an expert of monumental proportions just suffered a severe blow. The way you rudely and summarily dismissed Atmasphere's comment is at once shocking and yet very telling.

While I have never owned any Atmasphere amplifier nor do I know Ralph beyond his input on these forums, I, like many here, have learned a great deal from his sincere and thoughtful input on a wide variety of subjects. He builds world class products and knows what he is talking about and your cavalier dismissal of his post and additionally, the complete and utter arrogance you demostrated while doing so is simply mind boggling!

At least for my 2 cent interpretation of your actions, I will chalk it up to the observation that English is likely your 3rd or 4th language and that audio is the only hobby that is conducive with living in your parent's basement. Any other explanation from you should probably come with a mea culpa for your comments toward Ralph and the hyperbole you incorrectly asserted toward his very accurate input is at least worthy of an apology. Peace.

Thanks for all the comments. My speakers are multiple feet
away from both the back and side walls. I have also toed
them in toward my seating position. Have also tried crossing
them in front of seating position, I don't like that as
much.
I have acoustical foam on order, simple wall coverings from
the foam factory. They are not up yet, but I have
experimented for months with speaker placement. I have the
system sounding as good as it can in the room, IMHO. Now I
want to get to the next level, which means ... *updating
components* ... I should have an opportunity to make a
purchase in a couple of months.
I have read the recommendations for tube amps, VTL and Rogue
are the only brands I have seen mentioned. I suggested Prima
Luna, but no response to this, is Prima Luna not a good
brand? I can get these amps serviced locally. and what about
"tube biasing?" what is that and how often must I
do it, and how much does it cost? Tube amps sound like they
need maintenance, one reason why I have not gotten into
them. Plus tubes wear out...
Can we shift the discussion to the following:
tube amps vs full class A solid state like older Classe or
older Krell?
anyone who has my speakers and is getting fantastic 3D
imaging, what gear do you use?
OR...***possible speaker upgrade***...?!? (if my Rotel is
sufficient...) I might audition the new focal Aria line...

It is as it is. Maybe it sounds hard, it is not rude. Words can be read differently.

The older Classe amp ( sold them for a long time) have a musical sound and can give a deep and wide stage. The limitation is that individual focus of instruments and voices is not that sharp.

The problem with Krell is that some amps sound really awesome and others sound harsh and more analytical. You need to know the good and bad ones

Pathos make some amps which are not that expensive on the used market. They also have good drive and speed. And they can give a very good 3D stage.

Real,

Next thing would be to experiment with a few simple 2'X2' or larger wall panels starting with side wall main reflection points initially, adding rear and maybe others in small increments from there if needed. Need not cost a fortune, look on Amazon for well reviewed products, need not cost much at all if you shop carefully.

Your room is not large, right? If you listen fairly close to speakers, the distance between drivers on the floorstanding Quads could work against you for best imaging and soundstage. Monitors with simple crossover and closely spaced or even coaxial drivers, like KEF for example, will work in your favor. OHM Walsh would be another more radical omni design that could work well. Or other floorstanders again with simple crossover and more closely spaced drivers, like Totem Arro or slightly larger, for example.

Then I woudl also add some basic good quality power conditioning for pre-amp and source gear. THis will stay with you no matter what from there.

I'd look at tube-preamp next after that, if any further need. Cannot go wrong with ARC for that.

Tube amp is the last thing I would go for, unless you are just hell bent on going all tubes from here on out and then let the cards fall anew from there.

I have also found Classe is a very good option for SS gear that is very transparent sounding and images well. THen there is also the good stuff from Krell as well.