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Tube Preamp, Amp or Int for holographic imaging?

I am pretty new to High end, but was drawn to it after hearing some music with a holographic soundstage. Since then I've been on a quest to reproduce it in my own apartment.

I listen exclusively to vinyl music at home(nothing against CDs, I just personally find Vinyl more charming and collectible), and am currently hooked up to a Planar 3. I am using my home theater receiver as an amplifier, since I don't yet have a second system.

I've been using the Graham Slee Era Gold V for a preamp. It sounds great in everything except its ability to project the sound forward and leave the notes hanging in the air (at least on my system). My main goal in audio is, at present, getting that holographic soundstage, and I have read that tube amps do it best. My main question is, would it be enough to switch the phono preamp to a tube (probably the EAR or anything else someone wants to recommend), or should you have both preamp and amp be tube? In that case, what would be a good integrated for exclusively vinyl under $1k used (Jolida is the only well reviewed one I know of)?

Finally I have played around extensively with speaker placement, and some dampening. I get 'some' sense of depth (maybe imagined), but the images rarely seem to suspend in air. Also, the music still seems to come from behind the speakers most of the time, and I feel if I could just get the voice and front instrumentals to jump forward a foot or so I'd be perfectly happy.

Thanks for reading, any input is welcome.
superapplekid
sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
Superapplekid, I've heard some Boston Acoustics (a model similar to the VR3 I think) and, at least with the setup I heard them in, I wasn't too impressed with the sound or the soundstaging.

If you have a relatively small room, and you're after holographic imaging, you can get some used Totem Arro's in your price range. They will present you with the most three-dimensional imaging you've ever heard. If you get tubes in the amplification, then you'll be even better. My experience was best with a Jolida 302b integrated amp with these speakers. It's hard to bear for the price.

Other options would include some high-quality monitors, such as JMLab Electra 906, PSB stratus mini, or Paradigm Studio 20's. (Hey, I did include at least one non-Canadian speaker!) My experience is that all other things being equal, the monitors tend to soundstage better than floorstanders at the same price.

I do recommend that you start with your speakers, and then with the positioning within the room.

Good luck!

Michael
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I have a pair of VR 4's (use them for the rear channels on HT). I kniw what Sufentanil means about the soundstage but I have a pair of Paradigm Atoms at work and have managed to ave them image well and throw a believable, holographic soundtage, so it is possible with entry level speakers. Just takes time, paitience, a little knowledge and luck.
ethanh
48 posts
 
If you are going to change speakers I have to give a nod to Sufentail's Totem Arro recommendation. They produce a 3D soundstage with ease. Just be aware that they have some compromises, mainly in the areas of dynamics, ability to play loud, and bass. I was very happy with my Arros and a modest tube integrated until I felt the need for more bass extension, scale, and sheer volume.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Buy a copy of Jim Smith's "Get Better Sound" book for $30-50. It has one of the best step by step explanations about speaker placement and its effects that I have ever read. This is a very low cost way to get you moving in the right direction. It will be fun.

The room/speaker interface is what matters here and then the specific components.
superapplekid OP
2 posts
 
Lot of nods to the Totem Arros, which weren't on my radar until now. Also, I'm glad to hear the experience people have had with my speakers, it gives me a good idea of what to expect with them. I'll have to check out Jim Smiths book, as well as some Totems (which seem within my price range).

As far as a lack of bass, dynamics, and volume - right now these aren't my primary concerns, and it seems most budget speakers that are great at imagining have to make sacrifices in these areas. Certainly, the dream is to one day have a setup that can adequately do everything, but, depending on the amount of bass and dynamics sacrificed, I may be able to live without those aspect for now.
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