2. misc-audio
  3. 175153-170859

is the 1990s "WIDE MODE" setting the 'soundstage' of today, and a gimmick?

Hi All,

My family had a small boombox in the 1990s, and it had a switch with 3 settings:

1. Mono

2. Stereo

3. Wide

When i flipped it to wide mode, I was suddenly enveloped in the music being played.  The music was coming from all around me and i could not identify its source, even though I knew it was from the boombox.  This was of course gimmicky, and i’m not sure what the other audio trade-offs must have been if any (e.g. dynamics, instrument separation etc.), but it sure was a wonderful experience. But it was of course not rocket-science and a manufacturer could implement it into cheap equipment.

 

Fast forward to today. When i read reviews of someone swapping in a new device, and is experiencing a new breathtaking soundstage, i always wonder if the manufacturer of that device has implemented a degree of the old "Wide Mode" to captivate the listener?

What do you all think about the old Wide Mode? And if it is being currently implemented into audio gear?

128x128fai_v

Showing 1 response by kevinkoc64

kevinkoc64's avatar
kevinkoc64
30 posts
 

I've been using a Caver C9 sonic hologram in my system since I bought it in the late 80s. A few years back I had it rebuilt and modified to a higher standard. I'm sure a lot of people here would  poo poo it but unless you hear it in a system that has a good sound stage already it can be amazing. The soundstage opens up in every way and the instruments and vocals  become way more singular. I've used it since the late 80s and I hope to still be using it when I'm in my late 80s lol

 

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