Holographic imaging

I drive Porsches...

Solution to this never ending debate is to send some demo units to select few volunteers and have them report back? I suggest few qualified individuals- like Atmasphere (Ralph can do even some tests) Detlof, Duke, ??

Just trying to help.

The Mapleshade label, for example, uses different than norm recording technique, where microphones ( usually only two) placed on each side of human head shape fixture to resemble left and right human ears at the 'correct' height from floor. In addition, there is no additional processing to the signal. And then there are other basic good recording practices being employed at the same time, like shortest possible cables from mics. All combined generates pretty different and realistic sound quality- in a right (well balanced) system, where you get some of the bloom and air that a real live music event generates. In less than stellar system (My old components), sound quality is still comes across as real sounding minus the air and bloom.

In both cases, IME, holographic sound is not to be found

I am sure there are other labels employing similar techniques..

In my experience Tube equipment does give instrument tones and textures approaching 3d as compared to SS. (The primary reason I switched to all tube equipment). The 3 dimensional sound stage enhancement ( as compared to SS) that is needed to be holographic, I have not experienced that much in my all tube system. May be it is room dependent. My old SS gear probably had more of the 3d sound stage but not 3d instruments, but then tonal balance suffered in the process

I tend to think the claim of that German preamp proabably more alluding to the 3d instruments sound than the 3d sound stage.

I almost want to say that if you have perfect 3D sound stage on a regular basis, you might have imperfect (thinnish mids) tonal balance. IME of course.

I read my post again and thought few clarifications are called for. Tubes does give you the 3D sound stage but not artificially deep, wide or etched and 'holographic' the way term means to me.