1. Soundstage

Soundstage refers to the spatial representation of sound in an audio recording. It encompasses the width, depth, and height of the sound image. A good soundstage creates a sense of space and allows for precise localisation of instruments and vocals.

Wide:
Refers to a soundstage that extends far beyond the boundaries of the speakers, creating a spacious and expansive listening experience.

Narrow:
Describes a soundstage that is tightly focused between the speakers, lacking width and breadth.

Deep:
Indicates a soundstage with significant depth, where the placement of instruments and vocals can be perceived as being in multiple layers reaching far behind the speakers.

Shallow:
Opposite of deep, a shallow soundstage lacks depth dimension, giving the impression that the audio is closer to the listener and without also creating a sense of distance.

Three-Dimensional:
Describes a soundstage that offers a realistic and immersive listening experience, where the placement of instruments and vocals can be perceived in three dimensions: width, height, and depth.

Flat:
Refers to a soundstage that lacks depth and height, giving the impression that the audio is positioned on a single plane between the speakers.

Forward:
Indicates a soundstage where the audio appears to be projected more towards the listener, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy.

Recessed:
Opposite of forward, a recessed soundstage gives the impression that the audio is positioned further away from the listener, creating a sense of distance and spaciousness.

Holographic:
Describes a soundstage that exhibits exceptional imaging and precise placement of instruments and vocals, creating a lifelike and hologram-like listening experience.

Focused:
Indicates a soundstage where individual instruments and vocals are well-defined and distinct, without electronic haze or unrealistic time-delay, allowing for precise localisation within the audio image.

Diffuse:
Refers to a soundstage where the audio lacks precise localisation, with instruments and vocals appearing unnaturally spread out or blended together.

Layered:
Describes a soundstage where instruments and vocals can be perceived as occupying different layers or planes within the audio image, adding depth and separation.

Coherent:
Indicates a soundstage where the various elements of the audio image are well-integrated, resulting in a seamless and unified presentation.

Congested:
Refers to a soundstage that feels crowded or dense, with a lack of separation between instruments and vocals, leading to a muddled or cluttered listening experience.

Airy:
Describes a soundstage with a sense of openness and space, where the audio seems to breathe and have room to expand.

Intimate:
Indicates a soundstage that creates a close and personal listening experience, with instruments and vocals appearing to be in close proximity to the listener. Often, this is also associated with a warm midrange sound.

Vast:
Refers to a soundstage that is incredibly large and expansive, giving the impression of a sheer endless sonic landscape.

Balanced:
Indicates a soundstage where the placement and distribution of instruments and vocals feel evenly spread and well-balanced, creating a sense of harmony and coherence.

Engaging:
Describes a soundstage that captivates and draws the listener into the music, creating an engaging and immersive listening experience.