[BigSurSpoon]

I have noticed, through auditioning many different headphones, that I only have a very basic perception of the 'soundstage'. It basically boils down to this: I can tell that the DT-880 has a 'wider' soundstage than a Grado (namely, the RS-2) in that the sound seems to be further away, but other than that, I cannot, for the life of me tell the difference between soundstages. I can't perceive any differences between the soundstages of headphones like the DT-880, K701, HD-650, etc. They all sound identical to me, soundstage-wise. Am I the only one who has this perception 'issue', or are any of you guys out there in the same boat?

 

[Sarchi]

A lot depends on the recording itself. The finest examples of soundstage that I know of are the golden age classical stereo recordings made by Decca, EMI, RCA and Mercury. Those engineers used exceptionally good mics - with minimal multi-mic'ing - and spent a lot of time on mic placement. Pretty remarkable considering that the playback gear in those days was still fairly basic.

With headphones it's more difficult to recreate a stereo soundfield, this is why crossfeed circuits were developed.

 

[The_Duke_Of_Eli]

To really quantify the image of good sound stage representation, you HAVE to try a well-sourced and amped K1000 rig on a good recording , even something binaurially recorded. If you still can't tell the difference in soundstage then count yourself and your wallet lucky.

 

[pne]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Duke_Of_Eli /img/forum/go_quote.gif To really quantify the image of good sound stage representation, you HAVE to try a well-sourced and amped K1000 rig on a good recording , even something binaurially recorded. If you still can't tell the difference in soundstage then count yourself and your wallet lucky.

better yet, listen to a well sourced and amped stereo system. This will show you what real soundstage sounds like. Headspace or headphone soundstage cannot compare at all to this imo..

 

[Caribou679]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarchi /img/forum/go_quote.gif A lot depends on the recording itself. The finest examples of soundstage that I know of are the golden age classical stereo recordings made by Decca, EMI, RCA and Mercury. Those engineers used exceptionally good mics - with minimal multi-mic'ing - and spent a lot of time on mic placement. Pretty remarkable considering that the playback gear in those days was still fairly basic. With headphones it's more difficult to recreate a stereo soundfield, this is why crossfeed circuits were developed.

I own a boxset of Pierre Monteux 1956-64 Decca & Philips and on some recordings with my iem Atrio I succeded in hearing the rows where the musicians were placed during the recording and there spatial relation when they were playing. This was very impressive. It created a "space" for the music.
In the 50's RCA with the Living Stereo lp's where really putting quality in the stereo recordings. I am very happy the Living Stereo recordings are now on CDs and SACDs.

To the OP: Maybe the quality of your encoding is a reason why you have difficulty with the soundstage?

 

[poo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pne /img/forum/go_quote.gif better yet, listen to a well sourced and amped stereo system. This will show you what real soundstage sounds like. Headspace or headphone soundstage cannot compare at all to this imo..

Agreed - perhaps a local hifi retailer who can switch between different speakers for you whilst playing a track you know well - you will hear the soundstage change quite alot!

 

[PiccoloNamek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarchi /img/forum/go_quote.gif A lot depends on the recording itself. The finest examples of soundstage that I know of are the golden age classical stereo recordings made by Decca, EMI, RCA and Mercury. Those engineers used exceptionally good mics - with minimal multi-mic'ing - and spent a lot of time on mic placement. Pretty remarkable considering that the playback gear in those days was still fairly basic. With headphones it's more difficult to recreate a stereo soundfield, this is why crossfeed circuits were developed.

This is definitely true. If the recording is done properly, you can get the effect of an expansive soundstage, even with headphones. Here is a good example:

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/rev...ndrashank4.mp3

Listen to the sound of the shaker, chimes and wooden blocks especially. Even on my Grados they sound far away!

 

[Quaddy]

no you are not alone. the truth is out there

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quaddy /img/forum/go_quote.gif no you are not alone. the truth is out there

Wait, are you saying that there is no truth in soundstage?

 

[Quaddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veniogenesis /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wait, are you saying that there is no truth in soundstage?

no, i am saying he is not alone in his inability to perceive it.

there was a discussion about this recently.

 

[Veniogenesis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quaddy /img/forum/go_quote.gif no, i am saying he is not alone in his inability to perceive it. there was a discussion about this recently.

Ah, haha I see I see.

 

[digitalmind]

Like others said, it's mostly down to the recording. Give Roger Water's CDs mixed with Q-Sound a chance. Those have always been the most stunning to me regarding soundstage. Music is excellent too.

 

[ken36]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pne /img/forum/go_quote.gif better yet, listen to a well sourced and amped stereo system. This will show you what real soundstage sounds like. Headspace or headphone soundstage cannot compare at all to this imo..

I tend to agree with this comment.