TO nail the imaging use most any recording on the Mapleshade or vintage Mercury Living Presence labels. Try some mono recordings also to get a sharp focused centrally located image which is usually a good omen then for stereo.
Usually, some distance from rear and side walls helps open up soundstage and imaging. Ideally you want the sound reflected from rear and side walls to traverse about twice the distance to reach your ears as the direct sound, and for the the sound to travel at least 5-6 extra feet for reflected sound. That means small rooms in general may have more limitations.
SOme speakers are designed to go in corners or up against walls which is a decent alternate approach to avoid early reflections but generally does not deliver as deep of a soundstage as placement into the room and away from walls.
Usually, some distance from rear and side walls helps open up soundstage and imaging. Ideally you want the sound reflected from rear and side walls to traverse about twice the distance to reach your ears as the direct sound, and for the the sound to travel at least 5-6 extra feet for reflected sound. That means small rooms in general may have more limitations.
SOme speakers are designed to go in corners or up against walls which is a decent alternate approach to avoid early reflections but generally does not deliver as deep of a soundstage as placement into the room and away from walls.