Is soundstage just a distortion?


Years back when I bought a Shure V15 Type 3 and then later when I bought a V15 Type 5 Shure would send you their test records (still have mine). I also found the easiest test to be the channel phasing test. In phase yielded a solid center image but one channel out of phase yielded a mess, but usually decidedly way off center image.

This got me thinking of the difference between analog and digital. At its best (in my home) I am able to get a wider soundstage out of analog as compared to digital. Which got me thinking- is a wide soundstage, one that extends beyond speakers, just an artifact of phase distortion (and phase distortion is something that phono cartridges can be prone to)? If this is the case, well, it can be a pleasing distortion.
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Soundstage is a form of trickery,but can be fun when you hear it after changing a component.

Was it always there?
Or is it some sort of benevolent distortion that the new component has?

Perhaps the new component is more revealing of what had always been there in the recording?

Is the recording an accurate reproduction of a real musical event or is the soundstage just studio trickery?

Perhaps we need a list of recordings that are known to throw a huge soundtage in either or both formats.

But if a speaker didn't throw a huge soundstage,is that a deal breaker?
Maybe it does other things better,maybe it's more truthful to the tone of the instruments, or has more depth, detail or speed.

I suppose I should admit that I don't fuss about soundstage as much as I used to and that I don't miss it.

I do fuss about other things.

If I can't differentiate a string bass from a Fender,I wouldn't care about good or bad soundstage.

I remember some of my systems had better soundstaging than what I have now, but those systems were mostly of the 2 driver stand mount variety.

To go back to those systems just for improved soundstaging would be too much of a sacrifice in other aspects of sound reproduction for my tatse.
The verdict is in. I just listened to Roger Waters' Amused To Death. I must say I'm definitely not amused. Sound engineers definitely 'are' magicians! I'm hearing point source information as far to the left and right of my speakers as they are apart. Truly amazing.
Newbee - Exactamundo! You have my guarantee if you see an for a fabulous plasma TV on your crappy Samsung 24" tv you will not be seeing it in its full glory. By the way, soundstage is real as a colonoscopy. What's the rumpus?
The latest Dead Can Dance CD has soundstage and dynamics to die for. Their first CD in 16 (count 'em) years!
Geoff, it's interesting you would consider Newbee's comment ie: 'soundstage capabilities optimized', absolute. According to who? Him? You? Were you there? Are Newbee's ears perfect? Are instruments perfect?

Doesn't change what Al said one iota.

Oh, but it does dismiss your comment.
Exactamundo!