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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
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
I believe that there should be the reference component from which you will build the soundstage. Imagine that one of your components is a constant.
I have an example when the analogue fan built up the system starting from Koetsu Onyx Signature + -> Arm + -> Table... having his personal opinion on how big soundstage Koetsu can through if the right rig is bieng used upto the speakers.
Unlike in Gulliver story in audio too many ends to start building and many of us have different personal opinions from where to start or what's more important.
To me I believe you can start building system from any component(not cables) taken as reference.
sayas
181 posts
 
tough to have a great image and soundstage if you have choked out the info before it gets to your ears!

1 Source
2 Connections/cables etc...
3 Pre
4 Power
and of course your voice, SPEAKERS in that order and no other!
brulee
564 posts
 
A lot of good advice especially from Tireguy and Drewfidelity. Also, to get the most from you components performance can depend on what they are sitting on. There are many options but my search ended with Neaunce platforms.
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
The room and speaker positioning. If that is not correct all the equipment in the world will not help.

Not having a head cold helps quite a bit too !
outlier's avatar
outlier
381 posts
 
Choice of preamp for me seems to have the biggest impact on soundstage for me. Also, I note that a few folks have discounted the effects of interconnects on soundstage - I'd have to disagree. I had KCAG, HT Truthlink, Cardas Golden Cross and HGA Silver Lace. I found that these cables offered negligible difference in sound quality. However, I then switched to Nordost SPM (far more expensive than the other cables I tried) and the soundstage opened up dramatically. I couldn't believe it. For some reason the law of deminishing returns got turned on its head in my experinece - I had to spend a lot and then I got a great return. Anyway, just my experience. System is Audio Physic Virgo II, Blue Circle BC2 monos, Sonic Frontiers Line 3, YBA CD1a, Nordost SPM ICs, FIM GOLD Speaker Cable.
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