Soundstage...How to determine what's right?

Just what I was looking for. Thanks so much for the info. May just start with the opus 3 and see what I can accomplish.
thanks
Steve

More to look at. Thanks again. Looks like a person could spend a fortune just for demo disc. Will have to narrow it down to one or two. Any chance of getting thoughts on the best two or is that to personal a decision?
All solid state. Haven't ventured into tubes though have been tempted. Read so much about the sound of tubes. Afraid that if I slip into that I might not find my way back.
Thanks again,
Steve

Rodman,
Thanks again. The link is helpful and the article gives a good intro to the disc. Will start with just one of the disc and see how far I get.
What about congestion? Over the last couple of days I have listened to more music than normal and heard some things that were a bit confusing. On some cd's I could place instruments and vocals front to back easily. Others it seemed that all the sound was on a single plane and from left to right. My guess is this was the recording. Still other disc seemed that all the sound was from one point and it was very difficult to differentiate one instrument location fron another(congestion?). Since it may be recording related are there recommended recordings with a lot of instruments playing at the same time that will serve as a reference? If this is addressed on the already mentioned test disc then which one?
Thanks again. Really appreciate the help.
Steve

Well, thanks again.
Shadorne, your explanation of congestion helps a lot. That, along with your examples will give me the direction I was looking for.
Your description on tube miking in order to add harmonics brought up questions. Does the same type effect occur with amplification, processing, etc.? Is this why so many people feel that tubed components sound so much better? It would be very difficult for me to go tubes in my pre and amplifiers due to using them both for 2 channel and h/t. Would there be a significant improvement in 2 channel using a tubed cd player? Funds don't allow the ultra hi end but would like to get a bit closer.
Thanks for taking the time.

Rodman, I really appreciate your effort to share your thoughts, opinions, and experience. I'll have to play a bit and reread this thread several times to grasp all that has been shared.

It's strange and a bit disappointing that there would be such a difference in one disc to another from the same label, etc..

Newbee, once again thanks to you for sharing your thoughts on imaging. You and the others have given me so much to shoot for. Just makes this hobby that much more entertaining.
Steve

Rodman
The VK looks like something for me to dream about. It'll be a while befor I am able to justify something like that. Do appreciate the link. Good reading.
Shadorne
Once again thanks. The idea of a tubed cd player is an interesting one. Just wish someone I knew had one that I could try in my system. At this time it is just an interesting idea for me but sometimes I fall prey to impulse buying.
Thanks again,
Steve

Rodman
Looked at the Njoe. Have been lusting for the 99 for some time now. Looks like the 4000 is a big step up so maybe it will drive the prices down on the 99. Bought an Arcam not that long ago. Should have just waited a bit longer and bought the 99.
Thanks again.

Audioquest4life
Thanks for the reply. Makes a lot of sense. I have been playing around with positioning and have seen some improvement. Will continue.

Should receive two of the Chesky disc soon. Ordered "The Ultimate Demonstration Disc: "Guide to Critical Listening" and Jazz Sampler. Should give me something to work with. I do have some problems with the room and will be posting questions soon about what I can do to alleviate some of them and still keep my wife happy.
Steve