Walk-in soundstage

+1 @glennewdick 

In many years of listening to assorted systems - in dealers’ showrooms, audio shows and private homes - I’ve experienced ’a walk-in soundstage’ only with one system.   I could literally get out of the listening chair - from sitting to standing - and walk a few steps toward the speakers - before the illusion collapsed.   It was at Rick Becker’s house, a long-time reviewer for EnjoyTheMusic.   (Rick is a very gracious host - and very genuine with his observations.)

The phenomenon was actually like walking on to a stage.  Quite remarkable - and much fun to listen to.  A well-engineered recording provided the same effect with both LP & CD.  Both with classical and pop/rock music.   Average or poorly engineered recordings did not have the same effect.  

The system was set-up on the long wall on a 15ft x 40ft room with a cathedral ceiling.  The Kharma Ceramique 2.2 speakers were at least 6 ft out from the front wall.   Tube preamp & tube amp.  Much attention to clean power and quality cabling. 

I’ve heard many other systems that had a wonderful soundstage with wide and deep layering.  That alone is quite an accomplishment.

- - - 

Steve Huff is prone to hyperbole.   I don’t follow his reviews any longer.

@fastricky 

Thanks for sharing! This is actually the first time I’ve learned about the Shahinian Obelisks and their ability to create an enveloping soundfield.

Your observation about the Pontus II resonates with me. It definitely offers impressive width and tonal richness, but I’ve also learned it to be a bit reserved when it comes to the depth. Interestingly, someone recently discovered that adding a Harmony Micro DDC to the Pontus II helped him achieve noticeably deeper soundstage. A tube DAC might also take you further in that direction—it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re after that “walk-in” effect.

@steakster

Thank you for sharing that experience—what a vivid description! Being able to literally stand up and walk into the soundstage before the illusion broke down sounds truly extraordinary. Rick Becker’s setup must have been something special, especially with that room size, the Kharmas, and the attention to power and cabling. I imagine the cathedral ceiling played a big role in enhancing the spatial presentation too.

I agree—getting that kind of walk-in depth seems to require a perfect storm: excellent recordings, precise speaker placement, and a well-matched system in a well-treated space. It's interesting that both LP and CD sources could deliver it equally when the recording quality was there.

As for Steve Huff—I hear you. His enthusiasm can definitely be polarizing. Still, I find it interesting to compare perspectives, even if I take some of them with a grain of salt. He seems to have resonated with a certain kind of listener, but I understand why his style might not appeal to everyone.

Have you ever come close to replicating that walk-in effect in other systems you've heard, even if not quite to the same degree? I’d be curious to hear what other setups came close.

Walk-in soundstage?  Easy…with nitrous oxide!

Two out of five are already cracking jokes—guess soundstage still feels like a mission impossible for some.  I get it though—chasing that truly immersive, three-dimensional stage can feel elusive. When it clicks, it’s pure magic… almost like acoustic N₂O.  And I do believe this can be achieved with miniMax gears.

Steve Huff also talks to dead people. Have you seen those videos? A Kook.