How do I get the best soundstage?
I have a better than decent digital system. I.e. Pass integrated amp, Innuos streamer and USB reclocker, Ayre DAC with Less Loss power cable and firewall, Volti speakers. I’m my dedicated listening room the digital system is sonically superb to my ear - Except that the soundstage is ok but not the best. So, maybe I missed the boat on that. I have a vintage Technics table and Phono box S2 (basic start for vinyl). I’m now ready to move up to a better TT and phono preamp. I already have a used TT, a VPI Classic, coming. So, I’m looking for advice on how to get an exceptional soundstage. Should I be looking at spending more on the phono preamp or does the cartridge make more of a difference in soundstage. Also, should I be questioning the speakers for soundstage quality?. I’m looking to spend no more that 3500 on a used preamp. The VPI table has a low output mc Transfiguration Axia cartridge. Thanks in advance for any ideas you can share!
Firstly for the Volti speakers get rid of the Pass integrated - it is as dry as a bone - look at tube power amps. Secondly for analogue front end, in my view you should prioritise a very good phono stage, the best you can afford - you can always upgrade the cartridge later. I'd rather have a great phono and modest well designed cartridge than the other way round. |
You’ll have to fine-tune speaker placement and, depending on the size of your room, tame side reflections as well. Other than that, a good phono will help you get more out of that nice TT setup you have. Instead of compromising, consider buying an outstanding pre used -- a CAT with phono for example |
@hysteve - I finally achieved an oustanding soundstage (image) once I installed extremely good cables. Up to that point I had never experienced what a truly good image sounds like.- not even in some very good audition rooms in those high end audio stores, having a plethora of room treatments What I am now hearing is
So don’t scrimp on cables, they are the arteries of your system and require great cables - like those from
The best image is achieved by installing cables that transfer extremely fine micro details and for that, your cables need a serious design approach, including...
The three companies I have listed above above utilize these attributes to varying degrees and I have listed them in order of capabilities - the best being Hijiri I have implemented excelelnt cables on systems ranging from a $200 mini system to $70k high end system, all with the same result - i.e. a significant improvement in audio performance but most of all Imaging Installing good cables will help tremendously with finalising speaker placement and room treatments Hope that helps - Steve
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