2. speakers
  3. 147499-109363

The most important factor in soundstage imaging

Everybody wants a system that images well. There are  many discussions here positing equipment changes that will improve imaging. Some people think the magic wand is cables, others are sure it’s the preamp, and the ones that don’t think it’s preamps, think it’s amplifiers. And, of course, speakers are (correctly) mentioned. 

However, the single most important factor in audio stereo imaging, is increasing direct radiation and decreasing reflected radiation, by moving the speakers away from the back wall, and away from the side walls. 
phomchick

Showing 2 responses by hifidream

hifidream's avatar
hifidream
139 posts
 
Excellent info everyone. I would say that the speakers (and placement) are the most important to imaging and staging and then the room (physical dimensions and treatment) and equipment moving backwards of importance and impact from the speakers. . . Of course none of this happens if the recording isn’t made well at a high bit depth with minimal processing and or brick wall filtered etc.

I am a firm believer that an active set up is the best way to deal with room nodes with multiple subwoofers that can counteract the inevitable issues that arise when playing music full range.

After all that, looking at adding BACCH as the pinnacle cherry on top to my system. Awesome innovation if you haven’t looked it up, applying all the science quoted above!
hifidream's avatar
hifidream
139 posts
 
@rodman99999 I plan on adding BACCH for Mac. Check it out on their site. I already have my music server set up on the exact device they spec (Mac Mini 2012 maxed out). It’s a software interface for the cost of one high end component you can get BACCH into your system. Yes the stand alone DSP Processor is pricey. Many spend the price on the software version on cables alone. 

Thanks,
Steve
More to discover