Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!samsung!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!csd4.csd.uwm.edu!info-high-audio-request
From: cti1!rmorss@uunet.UU.NET (Richard Morss)
Newsgroups: rec.audio.high-end
Subject: Re: Imagining the imaging - the only solution for me ?
Message-ID: <10520@uwm.edu>
Date: 26 Mar 91 13:38:19 GMT
Sender: news@uwm.edu
Lines: 52
Approved: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu
Originator: tjk@csd4.csd.uwm.edu


ccicpg!keith@uunet.UU.NET (Keith McIntyre) writes:


>In article <10308@uwm.edu>, d87parfo@odalix.ida.liu.se (Par Fornland) writes:
>> When I
>> got really close, I discovered, the sound wasn't coming from the
>> shelf, it came from some strange looking _things_ standing on the
>> floor.  "WOW! WHAT'S THAT!?!?" - Martin Logan Seq. II it turned
[stuff deleted. . .]
>> 
>>   How can I improve the imaging, what component makes the most
>> improvement of the image?  I intend the keep the speakers.  Perhaps
>> it is impossible [:-(] to make to sound wider with these speakers,
>> even with highest-end components? In that case I'll just have to
>> live with it...
>> 
>> My guess about what makes the greatest diff. is as follows:  1.
>> speakers 2. amp.  3. cables between amp. and speakers 4. cables
>> between CD-player and amp.  5. CD-player but I'm not at all very
>> experienced, so it's only a guess.
>> 
I would have to agree with your first pick, the speakers certainly will make
the largest contribution to imaging.  Some just won't do it at all.  Others
can give avery wide stage with no depth, others will allow the stage to go
beyond the speakers.  (Check out the Chesky Sampler -- gives a very nice
width and height demo.)

Second, would have to be the room and/or the recording itself.  No matter
how good the speakers and room are, if the phase info is not in the recording,
forget it -- a big bust.  Included in the room/speaker parameter is where
you sit -- near field or far field.  This also depends on the speaker sound
field.  Play with sound absorption materials behind the speakers and on the
side walls (corners to just in front of the speakers). Stands, rugs, etc.
There just doesn't seem to be a science to it.  One configuration sounds
super with one recording, and then seems to fall apart with another.  I guess that's what keeps the hobby going.

While the electronics and cables may make a difference (don't want to get into
magic cables, etc., please), IHMO these will provide the least pay-off.

I've played with B&W 801's for the last 6 weeks.  I've settled on a config
that puts them ~10 feet apart, 26" from the back wall (sound absorbing matl
behind), and 32" from the side walls.  This seems to provide a large "sweet
spot" and maintains the stereo image for more than one person.  The image is
stable as you move from side-to-side and front to back, also.

I guess the bottom line is, find a speaker that will do what you want, and then
play with the room and the placement (maybe a wife will preclude this :-) ).

Happy hunting.

dick morss