2. speakers
  3. 194665-136680

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
gdaddy1 OP
272 posts
 

@hifikenobi  "once one experiences a true disappearing act, its jaw dropping."

Congrats on your experience! As you have discovered, given the right environment the human mind can take a system to much higher levels.

@jfrost27  Our local high-end stereo shop also does proffessional, good looking, well decorated rooms. I don't understand why "the rest of us have the reality of life" somehow means we can't have beautiful rooms too because we have kids?

This concept is NOT an oddity and doen't somehow 'restrict' your family lifestyle. However, it is a lifestyle choice to have an exciting room... or not. 

 

 

 

hheedah
31 posts
 

TAD! Oh my god... @hifikenobi you have those? It was the first time I ever experienced disappearing speakers. T.H.E. Show in Long Beach 2024. There were the Reference 1's I think, both the floor standing and the compact next to each other. I couldn't tell where the sound was coming from, which pair was on, the sound came from everywhere and nowhere in that room. Uncontrolled laughter, I couldn't believe the experience. Then I saw the $93,000 price tag and said "Ah well, it was nice while it lasted..." :)

hifikenobi
8 posts
 

@hheedah I can just imagine! I think I’ve seen videos from that show  

Here is my system: 

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/12022

These are my second pair. I was going to upgrade from CR1 to R1TX, but they were too big for my room so I went with CR1TX. They are indeed expensive but unmatched, at least the types of music I love.

Just saw your system. Never heard your speakers. They look interesting!

kennyc
1,910 posts
 

I agree that a black background to remove visual stimulus may help relax the mind which may enhance awareness of the 3d sound field.  

However, black is an unpopular wall color and if sharing the space, others will typically resist black.   A sleep mask might work as well.

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,558 posts
 

I'm sorry but painting the wall behind the speakers will I'm the sound. I don't see it...I feel listening  to music in a movie theater or a music hall which are dark  sounds  good.So does that mean hearing music at a concert sounds better at night  than during the day when the sun is out ,sounds better,hmmmm.i rather go to a concert at night than during the day because of the heat. BUT  when it gets cooler at nite you better bring a sweater especially at Jones Beach by the ocean it gets cooler at nite...I have a system up in my loft space, I have a town house with cathedral ceilings and when I'm sitting down stairs the music fills the room .I like it .,When I was teenager my room was painted dark blue my mother wouldn't let me have a black bedroom....lol.My Uncles living room was painted black with strobe lights ...day glow posters with a black like over them and when you put on Led Zeppelin first two albums the sound was insane...but I was 18 then.

More to discover