I've been bitten by the same bug as you and I have tried several ways to reliably get a holographic effect.
My system consists of Thiel CS5 speakers and Krell amplification. I also have a pair of Mirage M3si speakers that are bipolar. Both of these speakers image very well. Both also respond well to processing to achieve a better image.
My favorite is a BSG QOL processor that enhances the 3D image. They are discontinued but I see one on US Audio Mart for $800 (they were $4k new). The QOL adds depth and definition to the soundstage without any deleterious effects that I can hear. It also doesn't force you to sit in one exact position. You can read reviews of this unit on line.
The second option is a Carver Sonic Holography Generator. I've got one of these too and if you set your system up carefully you can indeed get the "aquarium" effect. The problem is that you need to sit in one exact spot (called "head in a vice") or the effect goes away. These come up regularly on the used market and sell for a couple hundred bucks.
The third thing you might experiment with is a Yamaha DSP-1 Processor. These are long discontinued but you can find them for cheap (< $100) on the used market. You need an extra set of speakers and 2 more channels of amplification but the effect can be absolutely amazing if you take the time to set everything up properly.
I've got all three of the above processors but most of the time I listen with the QOL processor. The Yamaha is really cool and it's fun to demonstrate it for someone who hasn't ever heard this effect (their jaw usually drops to the floor). For a good live recording it's uncanny how real it sounds.
The last thing I suggest is that, if you haven't already, play with speaker positioning including toe-in. If you listen from a very nearfield position you can get an immersive effect from nearly any good speaker.
My favorite is a BSG QOL processor that enhances the 3D image. They are discontinued but I see one on US Audio Mart for $800 (they were $4k new). The QOL adds depth and definition to the soundstage without any deleterious effects that I can hear. It also doesn't force you to sit in one exact position. You can read reviews of this unit on line.
The second option is a Carver Sonic Holography Generator. I've got one of these too and if you set your system up carefully you can indeed get the "aquarium" effect. The problem is that you need to sit in one exact spot (called "head in a vice") or the effect goes away. These come up regularly on the used market and sell for a couple hundred bucks.
The third thing you might experiment with is a Yamaha DSP-1 Processor. These are long discontinued but you can find them for cheap (< $100) on the used market. You need an extra set of speakers and 2 more channels of amplification but the effect can be absolutely amazing if you take the time to set everything up properly.
I've got all three of the above processors but most of the time I listen with the QOL processor. The Yamaha is really cool and it's fun to demonstrate it for someone who hasn't ever heard this effect (their jaw usually drops to the floor). For a good live recording it's uncanny how real it sounds.
The last thing I suggest is that, if you haven't already, play with speaker positioning including toe-in. If you listen from a very nearfield position you can get an immersive effect from nearly any good speaker.