Creating a Large Sound Stage

@soix

+1

Definitely, everything matters. However, some things are of top importance. First the speakers, the placement and the room. Then acoustics and the electronics. 

But it still depends. Like you want incredible holographic sound out into the side walls. and deep past the .. Bermeister amp and preamp with top of the line dCS or similar electronics... or high tier Wilson / Rowlan with great speakers... Sonus Faber, Wilson, or Magico. 

I have heard many systems like this... with your eyes closed you would never have a clue as to where the sound was coming from.

My system does this... it is warm and natural sounding... versus the sonic spectacular you get with my examples above. Above you get ultra detailed and somewhat unreal and spectacular... incredible three dimensional space. I always go away  in awe, but would  not want it in my audio room. So, you must be careful on the flavor you choose. 

@jimbennet in order of importance from most important to least:

1. Audio File Stereophony that is built in

2. Directivity Control and Dispersion pattern control and size in both horizontal and vertical planes

3. Bass evenness in room

4. Room/Speaker coupling metrics like ETC, RT60, Impulse, Group Delay, Waterfall, Spectrogram and Clarity

Amplifier is the least of your worries imo

Not to start an argument - but tube amps are known to throw a nice big wide immersive soundstage. This said, if this isn't on the recording and the system itself isn't good enough to resolve it - then it won't just magic it up out of nothing. Suggested recordings... KD Lang - Constant Craving. Seal Kiss from a Rose (Seal's version). Fleetwood Mac original Seven Wonders. Rooms on Fire chorus Stevie Nicks. Just one of those things - when you come across a system that does it - you know it. Like hearing tubes for the first time, or maggies, or discovering a decent DAC and then later on adding a DDC still makes a difference, it is something you don't forget and want for your own system.

Nah, it's because the electrons are free to travel without hindrance from all that substrate.

Ah, that old trope based on zero evidence. 🙄

Tube power supply for the turntable…ya just can’t be careless hoping a SEMIconductor will oblige free passage……

@noromance 

But as mentioned diffusion is a big help. See North listening pics….