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!
saintsaens_op61

Showing 1 response by jderimig

I have never been to a live performance (orchestra, acoustic etc) where I perceived front to back cues.

I imagine that any front to back cues that may exist in our systems and recordings has more to do how the recording session was mic'd.  But it is my opinion that is not how live music sounds.