Article: Realism vs Accuracy For Audiophiles | Part 1: Soundstage

[audiobomber]

“SOUND STAGE” AND “IMAGING”

 

According to J Gordon Holt's Audio Glossary, https://www.stereophile.com/reference/50/index.html

 

soundstaging, soundstage presentation The accuracy with which a reproducing system conveys audible information about the size, shape, and acoustical characteristics of the original recording space and the placement of the performers within it.

 

imaging The measure of a system's ability to float stable and specific phantom images, reproducing the original sizes and locations of the instruments across the soundstage.

 

There is another component of imaging that Holt's description does not capture. I've heard it called "thereness", which is a clumsy made-up word but does convey the meaning. The other term for this is palpability. From Holt again:

 

palpable Describes reproduction that is so realistic you feel you could reach out and touch the instruments or singers.

 

Palpability should be included in imaging IMO, to further differentiate imaging and soundstaging. Instrument placement is a fairly easy trick. Sound that can make you believe the artist is in the room is much harder.

[audiobomber]

1 hour ago, fas42 said:

 

Right, you've never experienced how convincing speaker playback can be ... got it! 😜

 Laptop speakers?

[audiobomber]

26 minutes ago, fas42 said:

 

What do you think?

I think you think so.