Definition
Stereo imaging
The perceived position and size of sounds between two loudspeakers. It depends on level and time differences at the listening seat, so symmetry and first reflections usually matter more than cable or amplifier branding.
Also known as: soundstage, phantom centre
Why this term matters
Stereo imaging appears throughout our guides because it changes the outcome of a setup decision. Linking to a single stable definition keeps our articles consistent and gives answer engines an unambiguous entity to resolve.