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July 15, 2021, 09:15 PM #1
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Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Ages ago, I had a cheap EQ unit that had a button described as "stereo wide" or "stereo expand" that brought down the level of the center in a stereo mix, effectively boosting the left and right audio. As I recall, the effect wasn't very subtle.
I wonder if there is any hardware that accomplishes something similar, but allowing for more subtle adjustments.
With digital files, I have played around with the center image using Audacity, but I don't have time to remix things. I would love having the convenience of a component that allows me to slowly turn a dial to get the center where I want it in the mix.
Does something like this exist, and if so, is it pricey or affordable?
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July 16, 2021, 12:21 PM #2
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Not to my knowledge. Back in the 90's when surround sound began to dominate the mainstream things like EQ and other similar faded away. Most A/V receivers had built-in EQ that was much better end result than the manual. It was actually able to measure for room abnormalities, phasing along with frequency response..
What are you using for electronics? There are home theater receivers/processors that would help with much of your issues. I do think placing the speakers on one wall under the window as you described would be a good move. You could then look for room treatments that might fit the décor without being too out of place.
When you mention adjusting the center are you meaning in volume or position? Manual set up on A/V equipment allow tweaking, the center has separate volume control and increase/decrease of left or right would move your center image. If possible I thinking moving to something in an A/V piece you might find helpful.
Hope this wasn't confusing. A/V=audio/video which I use that and home theater interchangeable.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
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July 16, 2021, 12:25 PM #3
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
I should mention if using a home theater receiver/processor you do not need several channels of speakers or amplification. You tell the unit what you have in the set up menu, you can use what is called a Phantom center, you can have anywhere from two channels up to the units capacity.
After thinking about your posts something in home theater might just fit your needs.Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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July 16, 2021, 01:03 PM #4
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
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July 16, 2021, 04:36 PM #5
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Thanks all. I am using an old-school Pioneer Amplifier. I have a set of speakers in one room and another set in the adjacent room. I play both CDs and LPs.
I'm less interested in the position of the center image than I am its relative volume. I have many albums from the early years of stereo with wonky stereo mixes, many of which include a center image that is too loud relative to what is mixed left and right. Some older jazz vocal albums come to mind. I would love the convenience of turning a knob slightly to reduce the center, as you would with a volume knob.
As I mentioned, I've played around with reducing the center image on some recordings using Audacity. I have gotten some great results, but I don't really have the time or inclination to remix entire albums and burn them onto CD-Rs.
I guess the component I'm looking for doesn't exist, unless I want to transition to a home theatre receiver/processor.
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July 16, 2021, 05:22 PM #6
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Are you playing multichannel files? Those are quite simple to change volume on any multichannel preamp (I have a Conrad Johnson MET-1) or a multichannel receiver. My multichannel DAC I think also has a digital setting for each channel. Larry
Analog-VPIClassic3-3DArm,Lyra Skala+MiyajimaZeroMono,2xAmpex ATR-102,Otari MX5050B2, Merrill Trident Tape Preamp, Herron VTPH-2A&BottleheadPhonoPre,
Dig Rip-Pyramix,IzotopeRX3Adv,MykerinosCard,PacificMicroso nicsModel2 AD
Dig Play-Lampi Horizon, mch NADAC Roon/HQPlayer,Oppo105
Electronics-DoshiPre,CJ MET1mchPre,Cary2A3monoamps
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July 16, 2021, 07:05 PM #7
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July 17, 2021, 12:49 AM #8
Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Just play the music as it was recorded.
Bud
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
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Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
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July 17, 2021, 07:33 AM #9
Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
All electronic processing will degrade the signal to some extent so best to avoud such things as tone control, equalisers, even DSP if you can. Best stereo imaging (close your eyes and you can point at soloist or particular instruments) which I think is what you're trying to achieve, is best done by very subtle adjustment of speaker location, in particular toe-in. At some point you'll find the exact spot where your music comes to life.
Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified
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July 17, 2021, 09:05 AM #10
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July 17, 2021, 09:07 AM #11
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July 17, 2021, 11:19 AM #12
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
I’m afraid your conclusion is correct. And while there are very good A/V processors out there that give you lots of flexibility (including DSP room correction) they only work with digital sources. That leaves out your LPs unless you do ADC.
It sounds to me that you might still prefer your own mixing.
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July 17, 2021, 11:26 AM #13
Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Interesting notion. If the music is "good" then why not play it as it is? Or do you want to attempt a better job than the mixing engineer? He had the advantage of multiple tracks to create the best mix he could - you have only the single track that the record company (and normally the artist too) has accepted as good from the mixing engineer. And my main point holds - all processing degrades the signal to some degree. You may prefer its processed presentation but it's still degraded. Or have I still misunderstood your question? Apologies if so.
Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified
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July 17, 2021, 11:38 AM #14
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February 19, 2022, 03:14 PM #15
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Bumping this thread.
I found a plug-in called a Leapwing Centerone which allows you to adjust the center image in real-time. Since I back up all me CDs and pair my laptop with external speakers, I am thinking about buying this for digital listening. Has anyone tried it?
Leapwing CenterOne Spatial Plugin
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February 19, 2022, 03:59 PM #16
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February 19, 2022, 04:06 PM #17
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Not sure I understand what you are saying. Some suggested that I was talking about the position of the center image, whereas I as talking about the relative volume of the center image. I realize that there may not be a piece of hardware that will accomplish this, other than a cheap EQ with a stereo expander, but I am curious how this digital plug-in works. Have you tried it by chance?
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April 4, 2022, 08:53 PM #18
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
I sometimes hit the mono button on the really strong old mixes. If you are using something like Roon there is a setting for “cross feed” which does exactly what you are describing. It is meant for headphones, but I don’t see why it would not help with your issue.
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April 4, 2022, 09:01 PM #19
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Jolida Foz SSX review | Jolida
This will work for you.
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April 5, 2022, 08:47 AM #20
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April 5, 2022, 05:31 PM #21
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Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
Not like a dialog channel on a 5.1 receiver, but spreading the sound stage increases the center image. It depends on the recording.
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April 6, 2022, 04:37 AM #22
Re: Hardware for Adjusting the Center Image in Stereo
If you are open to using a software then adjusting for something like this is possible with speaker setup
The link below is for Roon but all of the well known software players have an equivalent function.
https://help.roonlabs.com/portal/en/...-speaker-setup
.2 Channel Stereo :
Custom Win10 Transport | Mutec MC-3+ USB | Lampizator Amber | Acoustic Portrait Thiyaga | ATC SCM20PSL + JL Audio E-Sub e110
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April 6, 2022, 08:36 AM #23
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
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