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Make speakers disappear. Simple, cheap

My pet peave...

This simple visual trick is without question the biggest improvement in creating the illusion of stereo image that I've ever done. The illusion created is amazing and the improvement is HUGE. However I rarely see it used in two channel systems. I don't see any You tube reviewers using this illusion. When I go to audio shows it amazes me how MOST of the displays overlook this simple trick. (there are a small handfull of high end displays that get it)

I also have difficulty getting anyone to try this effect. It's too much of a commitment? WAF factor maybe??  They spend 10's of thousands on equiptment then miss the target on the biggest improvement of all!!

I'm flabbergasted when I see PS Audio new listening rooms that completely miss the mark on this illusion. Their rooms are bright as day and there is ZERO abience created. I think Pauls wife decorated the rooms and unfortunatley knows nothing about lighting.

You need to create the 'canvas' for the image to appear.The back wall behind the speakers should be flat black and as dark as possible. NO lights on the center back wall. My favorite is a matte dark black fabric that also aids in reducing reflections off the sheetrock.

You want to create the illusion that there is NO back wall. Just a deep, dark abyss from which the instruments will magically appear. This can be further enhanced by dimming the lights elsewhere in the room. Much like a movie theater. Ever notice a broadway play or a Las Vegas magic show is all about controlled lighting?  

It's also a great effect to hi-light the speakers face with very low level up light. (Cheap at Ikea) or even a candle will do. Gentle lighting in front of the speakers or a down spot light in the middle of the room can even make the back wall darker.

Black paint will also work but I prefer a dark velour fabric.

The effect is dramatic and absolutely worth the little cost and effort yet no one does it. 

 

gdaddy1

Showing 3 responses by milpai

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,488 posts
 

Lighting is important but the blackness of the wall is the most important...by far!

Lets agree to disagree on this one @gdaddy1. In my room, my lighting is such that you can get all the "sound stage" that was meant to be in the music. My setup and the related equipment can easily handle that. Maybe you should check your speaker setup to make sure that you get the sound stage without any special paint/fabric?

I would definitely like to see your system which shows this black paint you are discussing here.

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,488 posts
 

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,488 posts
 

You need to create the 'canvas' for the image to appear.The back wall behind the speakers should be flat black and as dark as possible. NO lights on the center back wall. My favorite is a matte dark black fabric that also aids in reducing reflections off the sheetrock.

You want to create the illusion that there is NO back wall. Just a deep, dark abyss from which the instruments will magically appear.

@gdaddy1 

I completely ignored your post when I read that initial comment, because you mentioned about "fabric", "dark abyss", etc. But....

FYI... it's not just color that makes the magic happen.The lighting level, direction and the color temperature(Kelvin) of the bulbs are also extremely important. In fact, lighting is the probably the most over looked design flaw in most homes and can take you home to a new level when done properly. 

...this is where you nailed it. It's all about lighting/ambience! I am 100% with you on this. Flat lighting just kills the "audio experience". The "somber" the lighting is, your eyes will focus less and your ears will focus more and that is how our senses compensate.

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