Walk-in soundstage


Coupled with his Weiss DAC 204 and T+A DAC 200, Mr. Steve Huff claimed to have experienced the so-called "walk-in soundstage" when using the Lumin U2 as the streaming transporter. This refers to a deeply immersive, three-dimensional stereo image where the listener perceives the musical space as so realistic and spacious that it feels as if one could physically walk into the soundstage.

This level of presentation is notably different from the more common “layered” sound field that many average listeners or reviewers report—where the sound is merely projected in front of the listener with some layering or spatial envelopment.

I'm curious how many of you have also experienced this effect in your own systems and listening spaces. If you're open to sharing, I'd love to hear about the components and setup that helped you achieve it.

  

lanx0003

@vitussl101 

Prokofiev - Ivan the Terrible - Slatkin MFSL Super Audio CD Hybrid Multich UDSACD 4003

Do you get the walk-in (or walk round) effect on 5-channel DSD playback, and/or DSD 2-channel playback and/or CD playback from that disk?

My experience suggests that with decent speakers, all three formats will produce a walk-round sound-stage though it is more obvious with surround sound!

@lanx0003 

What really amazes me is the Quad ESL-63, which emulates a ‘virtual’ point source behind its large flat diaphragm. Learned something new today. I wish I could also grab one on the used market

Better get two if you want a walk-in soundstage!

 @richardbrand  Well, I don't have a surround sound system, just your basic two channel, but this recording gives me the feeling at times like I'm in the orchestra, almost like I have a seat in it, and depending on where I look(turn my head), I can distinguish a particular instrument.   Some years ago, I went to see Gidon Kremer at Symphony Center in Chicago, a sort of last minute thing where we checked the box office just before the concert for any return seats and we ended up with front row, near center.  Amazing perspective that I never experienced before.  When Gidon came out on stage, he stood right in front of us.  The sound of his violin,not to mention the rest of the CSO, with us, being below the orchestra gave this uncanny ability to listen to specific musicians in a way that surprised us. I used to think that it would have been a terrible seat, but turned out to be a new refreshing experience, also considering that the row , 2nd, right behind us were considerably more expensive and would not have been any better, outside of maybe less strain on your neck.

@richardbrand  I think ESL 63 has similar trait to 57, correct?  Two panels for sure to get stereo sound because one panel is mono and mono is difficult if not impossible to achieve walk-in soundstage.  People even stack two panels per channel (side) for higher sound pressure (see below), wider dispersion and better bass presence.  With that being said, I will probably put this thought on hold until I sort out the basic technicality.

I tried to paraphrase the host's description on ESL 57.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reF1l84UdbM&t=1427s

"The music feels completely detached from the speakers and floats in the middle. Unfortunately, the soundstage isn’t extremely wide, and when I tried placing the speakers farther apart, something changed — I had to adjust my listening position to recapture the effect. In the end, I decided not to overdo it. This is why some people stack them to increase sound pressure, allowing for a slightly wider placement. As it stands, the presentation is a bit compressed toward the center, but what’s there is absolutely incredible. You wouldn’t believe it until you try."