Seeking more 3d imaging, deeper/wider soundstage


I'm considering replacing either my amp or my pre. My system is profiled in my system link. Which do you think would improve soundstage/imaging more:
Replace the P3? I'd consider used McCormack, or a passive line stage, but my amp clips at 5v, which is what my DAC puts out when using the XLR outputs, and I'd like to try those someday...not sure a passive is a good fit for my system? Plus I require a remote. That's a deal breaker.
Replace the Rotel RB-1080? I'd consider parasound (a21 is a bit too pricey for me), used McCormack, odyssey, maybe even older krell or classe. I want XLR inputs tho.
Budget is $900-$1200 for either. Music spans the full gamut, excluding hip hop and country. Room is small, 12x12x8. I'm going to throw up some affordable foam acoustic absorption this summer (foam factory). Thnx in advance.
realremo

Showing 2 responses by bobnegi

Sorry to offend you with my settle down comment, what I meant was that you should wait for the treatments to arrive before buying new gear, that is all...most of us, myself included are a fairly impatient bunch. Your timelines are measured in months and years, I wish I had that kind of patience!
Realrmo, you need to settle down and wait patently for your room treatments to show up from Foam Factory, it took about a month for mine to arrive.

Don't be spending money before you get to play around with the treatments, I found them to solve most of my issues.

Noone has mentioned the golden ratio...listening position should be equal distance from the speakers (equalaterial triangle I beleive is the math term for it)

I also have found for some reason that upgrading the amp power cord widened the soundstage, and also made it deeper, don't ask me, I cannot explain it in any terms that would sound scientific.

I have a Parsaound 7100 processor with Focal Profile 938 and it was a wonderful wide soundstage (I recall you were considering the Focal)