Improving Soundstage Width for Home Theater - Dali + Yamaha RX-A3080

[Nism]

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on enhancing the movie audio experience in my home theater setup, particularly to achieve a wider acoustic scene. Here’s my current setup:

• Front Speakers: Dali Rubicon 2
• Center Speaker: Dali Rubicon Vokal
• Rear Speakers: Dali Opticon LCR
• Atmos Speakers: Dali Alteco C1
• Subwoofers:1 x SVS SB-2000 Pro, 1 x SVS SB-1000 Pro
• AV Receiver: Yamaha RX-A3080
• Room Size: 20 m²
• Usage: 70% movies, 30% music

I’m quite happy with the setup overall, especially for music, but when it comes to movies, I feel the soundstage could be a bit wider and more immersive, particularly for big cinematic scenes. The bass from the dual SVS subs is solid (sometimes), but I’m wondering if there's anything I can do to widen the front and surround acoustic space.

A few things I've considered but would love input on:

1. Frontend Speaker replacement: Jump to new Dali Rubikore 6, is too much for my size? Any another options? (I like Dali quality sound)
2. Adding or Upgrading Components: Change AV for example or something different?
3. Yamaha RX-A3080 Settings: Any specific DSP settings or adjustments within the Yamaha receiver that could enhance the width and depth for movies?
4. Acoustic Treatments: The room is moderately furnished, but I haven’t added any dedicated acoustic panels. Would adding treatments behind the fronts or on the sidewalls contribute to a more spacious sound?

Appreciate any advice or experience you can share!

Thanks in advance!

 

[DVDdoug]

Move your speakers farther apart?

Floyd Toole says:

The important localization and soundstage information is the responsibility of the recording engineer, not the loudspeaker.

Room acoustics and your brain are also involved.

My intuition says that a more reflective room or omnidirectional or dipole speakers can give a bigger-wider, but less precise soundstage.

Similarly, immersion comes from the recording/soundtrack and surround speakers, or with regular stereo you can use the soundfield/up-mixing settings on your AVR.

 

[Chr1]

Have you considered adding Front Wide speakers? Looks like your Yamaha can do this.

 

[Nism]

Have you considered adding Front Wide speakers? Looks like your Yamaha can do this.

I’d love to add Front Wide speakers, but unfortunately, space limitations and the WAF won’t allow for it.

Move your speakers farther apart?

Floyd Toole says:

Room acoustics and your brain are also involved.

My intuition says that a more reflective room or omnidirectional or dipole speakers can give a bigger-wider, but less precise soundstage.

Similarly, immersion comes from the recording/soundtrack and surround speakers, or with regular stereo you can use the soundfield/up-mixing settings on your AVR.

Unfortunately, I’m limited on space, with about 3 meters between the front speakers and the sofa, and there’s no room to move them farther apart


What about change Dali Rubicon 2 -> Dali Rubikore 6 will be game changer or significant improvements?

 

[Chr1]

Sorry, just noticed that you are not using Wide L/R either. I think the only way to achieve what you want is to use the wide channels. Wide L/R, not Front Wide L/R. You can get very small, inconspicuous, wall mountable surround speakers these days, which you may be able to talk the mrs into. Might be worth a try, as currently you are only using half of the channels available on your AVR.