Different "Audiophiles" can't even give me a consistent definition of "soundstage,"
Do you really, truly have no general idea of what "soundstage" refers to in audiophile language? Serious question.
I mean, that you can find some people using the word in a vague manner they can't explain, or if there is some degree of fuzziness if you try to put all the opinions together...does this mean you still don't have a general sense of what they are getting at?
I just googled "what is a soundstage in audio?" and found plenty of consonant explanations. For instance, from links on the first page of results:
What is Soundstage? Imagine yourself in a small theater, 10 rows from the front, dead center, watching an orchestra perform on stage. You can see the...
audioengineusa.com
In the world of audiophiles, soundstage (or speaker image) is
an imaginary three-dimensional space created by the high-fidelity reproduction of sound in a stereo speaker system;
Learn more about soundstage and imaging in headphones and speakers. Learn how soundstage is created, and which factors affect sounstage reproduction.
soundgearlab.com
Soundstage refers to the apparent depth, height, and width of a recorded sound played via speakers.
Do you hear the word "soundstaging" now and then but don't know what it means? We've got you covered. Read the full guide on soundstaging.
headphonesproreview.com
A soundstage is the width, depth, and height of the recorded audio. It can be played through stereo speakers or headphones.
Soundstage is the perceived sense of the width, depth, and height of the imaginary "stage" where the music performance is being performed.
Discogs Digs is the place to start your journey of music discovery. Explore recommendations, unique stories, guides, and more.
blog.discogs.com
With the right stereo setup, you can create an imaginary three-dimensional space that immerses you in detailed sound. This imaginary 3D space is your soundstage.
Those are all pretty consonant, and map quite well with how I and pretty much every other audiophile of my acquaintance use the term.
Can you find someone using the term in a more confusing manner? No doubt. Doesn't mean lots of folks aren't using it pretty consistently in a way they understand.
so I doubt any of them are going to be able give a consistent definition of what a "natural recording" is.
But does this mean you really don't have an idea of what would constitute a "more" or "less" natural recording? No idea at all?
I mean you could say the same for the term "realistic." If you want to remain confused you'd look at all the most confusing or vague uses of the term. But if you wanted to get the gist of what someone means, you'd look to where the meanings have some clarity.
What would you think if someone said "we are seeking to make our CGI humans more realistic?" It isn't truly that baffling is it?
Similarly, if someone said "this recording of a voice sounds more natural" is that actually confusing? It generally means "
having more of the character of the real thing, fewer artificial artifacts."