A test disc like Stereophile's "Test CD 3" provides a couple of tracks that offer definitive placement information: Stereo Channel Phasing, and Soundstage Maps and Microphone Techniques. Utilizing these tracks takes all the guesswork out of determining if one has correct placement of a voice or instrument in the stereo image.
Also, Chesky's "The Ultimate Demonstration Disc" has track after track of music that demonstrate specific qualities of stereo reproduction. Each track and it's purpose is introduced by a narrator who explains what one should listen for during each musical selection.
Soundstage is neither a mystery nor a phantom audiophile term. Using these discs can assist anyone in properly placing speakers and balancing left and right channels. Of course, once one has the proper set-up, then it's "user's choice" to vary the setting to suit one's personal taste. And, has been discussed previously, none of us know what the recording engineer was hearing when he/she recorded the session. We can hope the room was properly set up for correct balance.
Also, Chesky's "The Ultimate Demonstration Disc" has track after track of music that demonstrate specific qualities of stereo reproduction. Each track and it's purpose is introduced by a narrator who explains what one should listen for during each musical selection.
Soundstage is neither a mystery nor a phantom audiophile term. Using these discs can assist anyone in properly placing speakers and balancing left and right channels. Of course, once one has the proper set-up, then it's "user's choice" to vary the setting to suit one's personal taste. And, has been discussed previously, none of us know what the recording engineer was hearing when he/she recorded the session. We can hope the room was properly set up for correct balance.