I really think this is an excellent thread and posts. I didn't know how to rate all the "good stuff", so I decided to just give everyone a +1 for content and a +1 for delivery. I got about 1/3 of the way through the posts, and the "system" wouldn't accept any more ratings by me. I suppose a question for Agon?? But thanks to all for content and delivery-- I think this is what this forum was meant to be. I can contribute a question. On several occasions (with component, PC, and tube changes) I have gotten a huge, forward, diffuse, very airy, and IMO, a very unnatural soundstage. This was caused when using (1) ML 331 amp, (2) SF Line 3 pre-amp, (3) API power cord on McCormack DNA-2DX amp, (4) ESP Essence PC on DNA2 amp, (5) putting NOS Amperex 7308 tubes in 2 positions in my standard SF Line 2 pre-amp. The "normal" image in my system is very solidly behind and between my Vand. 3As with soundstaging depending on CD, eg Lucinda Williams "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road" soundstages wall to wall, and a few others do this as well, but in my case most soundstaging is just between speakers. My 3As are on a short wall of my 14 X 22 room. Center to center about 80" apart and about 3 feet from sidewalls, and 4.5 ft. from front wall. I definitely do prefer this laid back presentation, but have really wondered about the huge, forward, diffuse soundstage with equipment changes. It absolutely amazed me that a single PC or tube change could do this. It seemed more possible with a major component change, ie the amp and pre-amp noted. Any thoughts, comments? Seems like this question fits this thread. Thanks. Craig