ARC SP16 vs SP8

I have an SP16 in my system and I can assure you that imaging is not an issue. I have not heard the SP8 so I can't say whether it would be an upgrade.

I can say that one the biggest upgrades I made was the purchase of my Benz glider. Again I can't say whether there would be biggest difference between it and your sumiko.

One final point, a big determinant of imaging is your room and equipment placement. If I were you I would start there. I hope this helps...

What's the rest of your system? Just about any piece in an audio system can mess up imaging. I've never cared for the SP-16, myself, but I wouldn't necessarily say that its the cause of your problem.

As far as your analog setup goes, I don't think thats your problem. Even with modest equipment, records image very well. When people either get back into analog or try it new, for the 1st time, their first remark is almost on always how good the imaging is.

Nick, you make a great point, i might have my speakers too close to eachother. I will try to space them further apart. My room is small which is why i bought magnepan mc1 on stands with a sub for the low end. They are about 4 feet from the wall. Im gonna space them out about 5 1/2 to 6 feet apart. I had them about 4 feet apart. I usually sit 6 feet away from the speakers. The sub is behind the right maggie in the corner which sounds really good.
Elizabeth, 1,400 for a 15 is steal if its anything like the 10 or 11. I paid more for the 16 lol. If i ever see that pre amp for that price im all over it. I also use a ps audio duet which at first was really bright but calmed down over time. Im not sure if it improved my system, but i havent removed it.

Oh yea as far as cables are, i use tara labs prime m2 from the turntable to the preamp, tara air 2 from the preamp to amp, audioquest rocket 88 speaker cables, and shunyata venom power cords.