2. amps-preamps
  3. 1404789005

Seeking more 3d imaging, deeper/wider soundstage

I'm considering replacing either my amp or my pre. My system is profiled in my system link. Which do you think would improve soundstage/imaging more:
Replace the P3? I'd consider used McCormack, or a passive line stage, but my amp clips at 5v, which is what my DAC puts out when using the XLR outputs, and I'd like to try those someday...not sure a passive is a good fit for my system? Plus I require a remote. That's a deal breaker.
Replace the Rotel RB-1080? I'd consider parasound (a21 is a bit too pricey for me), used McCormack, odyssey, maybe even older krell or classe. I want XLR inputs tho.
Budget is $900-$1200 for either. Music spans the full gamut, excluding hip hop and country. Room is small, 12x12x8. I'm going to throw up some affordable foam acoustic absorption this summer (foam factory). Thnx in advance.
realremo
realremo OP
460 posts
 
I'll post some of my reference digital tracks later this week, might not get a moment in the listening room for a while. Kids, work, wife, etc etc etc
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Rlb61, I agree with you about Vicoustic and bass trapping which is why I dont use them for that purpose. I am considering RealTraps or GIK now. My room is very similar in dimension to your except that my ceiling is 9 ft and the wall behind the listening position is open to the family room and kitchen. What other treatments do you have? After bass trapping I am going to treat the first reflection points on the side and the ceiling with Vicoustic Cinema Round panels.
bobnegi
25 posts
 
Realrmo, you need to settle down and wait patently for your room treatments to show up from Foam Factory, it took about a month for mine to arrive.

Don't be spending money before you get to play around with the treatments, I found them to solve most of my issues.

Noone has mentioned the golden ratio...listening position should be equal distance from the speakers (equalaterial triangle I beleive is the math term for it)

I also have found for some reason that upgrading the amp power cord widened the soundstage, and also made it deeper, don't ask me, I cannot explain it in any terms that would sound scientific.

I have a Parsaound 7100 processor with Focal Profile 938 and it was a wonderful wide soundstage (I recall you were considering the Focal)
rlb61
742 posts
 
Tboooe - I have 4 tri-traps (2 on each front corner stacked floor to ceiling), 2 244s (one behind each speaker), 1 Monster Bass Trap directly behind my listening chair, and 4 spot panels (2 on each wall) to hit first reflection points. Having a crappy, square room with an alcove right behind the listening position sucked big time ... but the GIK products have fixed that essentially, and I am quite pleased with the sound.
realremo OP
460 posts
 
Bobnegi, my listening position is placed per goldern triangle, and don't tell me to settle down, I'll spend my money how I like.
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