Looking for the next level in imaging...

Yes, I get it at low cost also.

The "Mermans" cost me about $1,500 to build with used JBL speakers and Great Heils, and new crossover components. The Yamaha RX-Z9 cost me $4,050 new in 1993 and now has >30,000 hours on it. The Oppo95 was $300 used.  So, under $6K complete.

A gent from AK was over and said that he had just auditioned a six figure system that did not image as well.

I'm with bigtwin on this.  One can search for the system that will give you a sound stage that one desires.  However,  the recording is the golden key that unlocks soundstage.  And, not all recordings are equal, as we have discovered.  There is lots of garbage out there.

toddalin The "Mermans" cost me about $1,500 to build with used JBL speakers and Great Heils, and new crossover components.

If one (who likes can pop, jazz, rock, etc.) buys your Mermans speakers at under $2k is a great bargain. Your system sounds better than many mega buck speakers and systems. And your have much more potential to for higher quality sounds. Alex/WTA

@hotei   You're in good company. 🤣  Last night I was listening to the LP Take 10, by Paul Desmond.  Actually on CD as part of a FABULOUS 6 CD box set from RCA.  The complete RCA records by Desmond as a solo artist.  Comes with a 20 page booklet giving total info on every track.  

I digress.  With only four instruments, the guitar and Sax extended past the edge of the speakers, the Bass was right in the middle and Connie Kay on drums was clearly in the back of the bass by several feet.  They could do it back in 1963.  Makes you wonder why more recordings don't do it today.  Cheers.

Some of you may recall a TV show titled, Mr. Ed.  It's a sitcom from the 1960's with a talking horse.  Season 5, Episode 1 titled, Hi-Fi Horse, is a great, timeless performance aimed at us audiophiles.  It first aired in 1964.  I had just flown back from Europe in the 1990's one time, it was 3AM and I was wide awake.  I turned on the TV to Nick at Night and found this episode.  It has all the classic hifi stereo lines but remember, this was 60 years ago.  Wilbur buys his wife a Stereo console for their anniversary.  She is less than thrilled at this gift she never wanted.  He puts on a sound effects record.  Two people are playing ping pong and he says to his wife, "Are you listening to that?  It's like they are right here in this room playing ping pong."  That does it.  She is off to her mother's.

Take a moment to look it up and play it.  A lot of fun.  And Mr. Ed, the horse gets in on the hifi as well.

Hey bigtwin,  thanks for the heads up on the Desmond cd’s.  I’m a definite Paul Desmond fan.👍

@hotei My pleasure.  One of the discs is Desmond and Gerry Mulligan.  If you have not heard Mulligan's disc "Dragonfly", it's a classic for this topic.  The second track called Brother Blues is such a delight for the use of soundstage and imaging.   I've used that track many times to demonstrate a recording that lets you hear exactly where every instrument is.  Exciting to listen to.  IMHO.  Cheers. 

Rear fireing driver. Really helps

Just get the BACCH-SP and keep the speakers you have. It is a total paradigm shift and plays back music how it was intended to be heard.

moving to Mac, the Mc611's and c49 took my speakers to another level (or 3) without changing speakers. If you have the freedom to try a different wall, say going from the short to long wall and pull speakers 3-5' from all boundarys also. For the first time I have the cash, but no desire to upgrade.

Many people would sell their child for Ethos. How’s about being really grateful for what you have rather than trying to chase rainbows. It’s a thought. 

Listen to lots of live acoustic music. Then try Shahinian Diapasons, Larsens, Ohm Acoustics speakers and any  Morrison Audio speakers. I would be very interested in your thoughts.

Thanks for the topic, polkalover...

It's not yet commonplace for audio folks to have a good handle on the Bacch-SP Theoretical Applied Physics processing.  Please do the homework if you are seriously interested in improving your sound.  With a limited budget, I opted for the Plug-In version of the BACCH DSP.  It has a "one-click on-off tab."  It goes unused.  And, yes, I am a purist, direct A to B audio guy.  

More Peace     Pin             (bold print for old eyes)

The quality of the Recording greatly influences its ability to project a good image throughout the room. If only everything else could sound like a Diana Krall album be it a record or on YouTube the quality is astounding.

I wish orchestra recordings could improve the recording quality but some are very nice.

Well powered speakers are very important too.

Will anybody be exhibiting the BAACH at The Show in Costa Mesa?

Lots of good ideas and suggestions to work through.  It's why I love these forums!  So much to think about before you make a decision!.  I will say this -  the most intriguing idea (and I forget which responder/poster said it) that you can't reproduce what isn't there. Helluva observation! However, I thought  that's why Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 were brought to market.  Which then made me reconsider what I'm after. Thanks for the good debate!

@polkalover , Sony's 360 reality audio set up in a proper rig is mind blowing! They are the only real competitor (besides Apple, to some degree) with the clout to beat out Dolby, imo (Dolby became a monopoly for a bit after beating out DTS, Auro, etc). Dolby also has to cater to the movies/ tv people. Sony is way more focused on music.

Eitherway, both of them have many incentives and are getting an increasing number of artists (and the mastering apparatus) by the day to work within their respective eco-systems. They are here to stay.

Someone said, "Use a horse to pull your carriage, it was made for that kinda thing"

But, an audiophile said, "No, i will use my dog. But, never fret, he's a super dog! If i give him enough steroids and rub him down with emerald dust, he will beat a horse, pulling that carriage! And if in case, my super dog fell short, it must be the carriage's fault"

Next level imaging? My vote goes to flea watt SET tube amps paired with efficient single driver designs... tough to beat, when looking solely at imaging capabilities.

The right loudspeaker, placed correctly in the room, good electronics, and a good source.

My Triangle Celius 202s were very good at knocking down the walls.