Component with most effect on soundstage/imaging?


Just curious... I hear lots about how this cable throws such a wide soundstage, or how that front end images so well, etc etc etc. In my experience, I have found that the amp or speakers have had the biggest impact on soundstage and imaging (speakers probably edging out in terms of greatest impact). I have found VERY little difference in cabling. Cables have had an impact on tonal characteristics (e.g. tighter bass, cleaner treble, etc.), but I really haven't heard much of a noticeable difference in soundstage or imagine. Then again, maybe my ears aren't up to it. Anyone had different experiences? Any thoughts?

The reason I am asking... I listen primarily to classical (chamber) and jazz (small ensembles and vocals), to genres where I think soundstaging and imaging are especially important. I am downgrading my system, however, and I would like to maintain these two aspects at as high a level as possible, and I am wondering which component I should focus on.

Thanks in advance, and happy listening!
ewha

Showing 1 response by aroc

1.Speakers, 2.Amp, 3.Pre, 4.DAC, 5. Power conditioning, 6. Power cables, 7.Rack, 8.???, 9.???, 10. Interconnects.

Speakers include placement in the room as well as the room and it's treatments. If you don't get the first part right, it will never improve from there. IMHO, unless your interconnects just PLAIN SUCK, they shouldn't be the bottleneck in soundstaging/imaging. And I would imagine that would be because (perhaps?) the ICs are sucking the quality of bass out of our equipment, and thus strinking the soundstage?? ..speculation..

This has been my recipe:

Determine what room you are going to use for the "rig." Find speakers suited to this room and your tastes/budget. Buy said speakers that will work in YOUR ROOM and whose PLACEMENT is ACCEPTABLE to you and the other occupants. If you can't place them correctly from the start, find another pair like Vandy 1C's that can be nearly up against the wall. Perform some MINOR room treatment, dampen the back wall, consider placing speakers along the LONGEST wall which avoid side deflections. Also put the chair/sofa/beanbag in the sweet spot.

Next buy the amp that matches well for you speakers in your room. Most decent amps "shouldn't suck" in the soundstaging/imaging dept. But I may be wrong. Mate amp to a synergistic preamp match. For me, I've never noticed a problem with my Audio Alchemy DLC and OM150 combo.

Though for me, swapping speakers and swapping DACs has dramatically changed the soundstage in most cases. I included the pre and the amp head of the dac, since I assume that no matter how good the DAC is, if the pre and amp are collapsing the soundstage, you'll never realize the DACs potential. And perhaps the same could be said of interconnects, if the ones you're using particually suck. Though that has not been my (limited) experience. I have noticed quite a difference in depth of soundstage AND imaging while A/B'ing a Adcom GDA600 (my current) DAC against a stock MSB Link III with stock PSU. That difference was very pronounced.

Finally, another thing that improved my soundstaging was my power conditioner. I swapped in a VansEvers model 85, and noticed a *slight* increase in soundstage *height*, but not width. the real reason for the PLC was to get the "blacker black" in the presentation, since I live in a condo. I am aslo running DIY belden powercords.