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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
dougholdco
34 posts
 
If your system had good stage at one time and now it doesn't, even though you haven't changed audio components or room components, don't overlook the possibilty that one or more of your cables has developed a problem. This problem could range anywhere from speaker wires in which the conductors have oxidized to interconnects that need their connectors cleaned. Get thee to www.caig.com immediately. As a former Cramolin user, which I believe Caig manufactured, I have now become a staunch believer in Caig'sProGold and DeoxIt. In fact, only last night I used them to breathe new life into my system by cleaning the ends on my silver digital cables. This stuff works, and even Boeing and NASA know it.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Excellent point, Dougholdco. A cheap, quick check would be to at least pull-out and push-back-on your interconnects at all connecting points, Mmccoy. That will clean the connections enough to get a sense of whether this is a contributing factor in your situation.
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!
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,426 posts
 
Yes, I have had imaging problems (mainly a center image that was no longer on center) that were/was remedied by simply reinstalling the cables a second time.
joekras
60 posts
 
I have noticed when upgrading my modest system images became more distant.
Deeper soundstage, laid back sound. When you see these words used to describe many expensive components, it means small image. The further the stage the smaller the image, and you lose image height and layering (on most recordings).
That's why studio recordings sell and "recorded live" usually do not.
However a lot of audiophiles and reviewers seem to prefer that row "Z" listening position for some reason. Maybe it is more accurate.
I have some SACD's (very pleased overall). On one Santana recording, I think it may be the last track, the vocals are barely audible he is so far back. And Tony Bennet Unplugged-recorded space is verly realistic, but it is though I am in really bad seats! Sounds better in my car.
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