2. tech-talk
  3. 993408386

Improving imaging

I'm interested in hearing from the experts the following:

What component, in your opinion, contributes the most to creating a 'discrete' soundstage...

i.e. the 'most important' component/element, etc. that contributes the most to overall imaging. For the purpose of my question I define 'imaging' by being able to ascertain where instruments are located from left to right, front to rear across the overall soundstage. Assume a well mixed/recorded CD 'source' (ala Telarc, etc.).

The reason I ask is I'm not sure if it's my aging ears or my equipment but over time it seems everything is now pretty much 'placed' either primarily on the left or right channel, or 'summed' in the middle. Displacement outside these 3 main locations seems to now be almost to subtle to distinguish from 'left/center/right'. And thus for sure, hearing the tymphanies 'behind' the strings (or the drummer behind the guitar behind the sax) is pretty much non-existant.

I'm not trying to get into 'which brand sounds best', or 'tube vs solid state', etc. kind of debate, just trying to determine if it's my ears or my equipment that is obviously declining and if it's likely my (2 chan) system, which piece should I concentrate on first in order to improve imaging.

thankee in advance!
mmccoy

Showing 1 response by jowillia

jowillia
6 posts
 
I also vote for speakers - but repositioning can also help. I now have mine towed in at about 30 degrees - mine are about 12' apart. I have KEF Reference 3's that I purchased because I liked the soundstage - they didn't have the lowest frequency response but they sound good and are fairly accurate. I have also listened to Meadowlark speakers and liked what I heard - they are also efficient and reasonable in cost.
I believe some tube amps also present a nice soundstage when working with a good speaker. I like the Cary single-ended (SE) amps but tubes do take some tweaking.
Shop with some CD's you like and trial speakers in your own environment if possible - quality dealers usually will work with you on this basis.
Good luck and good listening!
More to discover