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Should a stereo soundstage be 3D or 2D?

I read several people talking about a “3D” soundstage. The main purpose of stereo is to provide left-right separation between different sounds in a recording (a “wide” soundstage). I understand that when properly set up, there is also front-back separation (a “deep” soundstage). So there are certainly two dimensions. Where is the third? Will a stereo system provide up-down separation as well? What is the technical explanation?

Thanks for the help!
128x128saintsaens_op61

Showing 1 response by gregm

gregm
3,396 posts
 
@saintsaens_op61
It should be 3D, ie. width, height, and depth.
If the system is properly set up, that is, and the recording is good.

e.g. On your favourite St Saens opus 61 (3rd violin concerto) and with dipole speakers, the violinist is in the room while the orchestra is well behind him and beyond (Vengerov, Philarmonia-Pappano, or Shaham, NYP-Sinopoli), outside the room. Regards
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