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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
hifikenobi
8 posts
 

Darkening the ambience certainly help the illusion. I don’t think the OP ever said room treatments were irrelevant. It’s about enhancing the illusion further from the acoustics and the visual ambience certainly plays a role.

This is the reason I have the meters turned off on my amps. It’s the reason I wish I could place my equipment rack to the side (one of the suggestions in Jim Smith’s Get Better Sound), but I have to compromise on that.

As for the jokes on disappearing speakers, I know it’s all in jest but once one experiences a true disappearing act, its jaw dropping. It was a long time ago on my journey but I still remember it. And now with my TADs pulling off the most 3D imaging I’ve ever experienced, I still enjoy watching uninitiated guests have their mind blown, “…but where are the actual speakers?” :)

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,358 posts
 

For Laugh. I will open the door let the thief steal the speakers. Gone and disappear forever..

jfrost27
7 posts
 

First, that video of the painted room was pretty cool. 
The stereo shop I work with most often has all the listening rooms decorated (?) as described in the OP. Some years ago I asked the owner about it. He basically said the same thing about the illusion effect on the soundstage. All I know is that things sound great there as evidenced by the staggering amount of money that I’ve spent there over the years. 🤣

But that’s great for a dedicated listening room in a hi-fi shop. The rest of us have the reality of life.  Meaning spouses, kids, other uses for the room, etc.  I my case, I just turn out all the lights except one small light on my equipment rack. That and all the meters etc on my McIntosh gear give me enough light to be able to walk around and see the CD player for disc changes. Works well enough for me. I drift off into the music every time. 

jfrost27
7 posts
 

First, that video of the painted room was pretty cool. 
The stereo shop I work with most often has all the listening rooms decorated (?) as described in the OP. Some years ago I asked the owner about it. He basically said the same thing about the illusion effect on the soundstage. All I know is that things sound great there as evidenced by the staggering amount of money that I’ve spent there over the years. 🤣

But that’s great for a dedicated listening room in a hi-fi shop. The rest of us have the reality of life.  Meaning spouses, kids, other uses for the room, etc.  I my case, I just turn out all the lights except one small light on my equipment rack. That and all the meters etc on my McIntosh gear give me enough light to be able to walk around and see the CD player for disc changes. Works well enough for me. I drift off into the music every time. 

jfrost27
7 posts
 

First, that video of the painted room was pretty cool. 
The stereo shop I work with most often has all the listening rooms decorated (?) as described in the OP. Some years ago I asked the owner about it. He basically said the same thing about the illusion effect on the soundstage. All I know is that things sound great there as evidenced by the staggering amount of money that I’ve spent there over the years. 🤣

But that’s great for a dedicated listening room in a hi-fi shop. The rest of us have the reality of life.  Meaning spouses, kids, other uses for the room, etc.  I my case, I just turn out all the lights except one small light on my equipment rack. That and all the meters etc on my McIntosh gear give me enough light to be able to walk around and see the CD player for disc changes. Works well enough for me. I drift off into the music every time. 

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