2. speakers
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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
gdaddy1 OP
279 posts
 

Stereo itself creates an audible illusion. I can hear the sax on the left side, bass player on the right and the singer is clear in the middle. Not perfect but pretty darn good when set up correctly. I like it alot!

@treitz3  the set up on porch is very interesting. You created a blank space with no visual distractions between the speakers that would enhance depth of field. Did you ever listen to it on a dark night? Looking into the dark abyss? With eyes wide open you can 'see' the musicians. Instead of staring at a wall.

Since I don't have a mountain drop off I'm using dark faric to create a similar type of effect that works either near field or equalateral.

 

treitz3's avatar
treitz3
51 posts
 

Well, not completely dark. There was the kitchen light that shined through the full window door off to the left of the setup. The illusion of what was heard was flat out, special. This was just a crazy setup we created out of leftover gear at an audio event eons ago. Still unforgettable. 

We were obviously in the mountains, so no ambient or city lights were around us. The nearest town was 7 miles away, over the other side of the mountain, and even then. That was the first town for about 30 to 50 miles, in all directions. Plus, it was a very small town....so it was rather dark. If you walked off of the porch? You couldn't see a thing, even after 5 minutes of no lights being on. A flashlight was required to see.

The only exception was when there were no clouds and an unobstructed (by the mountains) full moon. 

Tom

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,490 posts
 

With eyes wide open you can 'see' the musicians. Instead of staring at a wall.

@gdaddy1 if you are staring at the front wall (without the paint/fabric in place), then you still have to work out your speaker placement, since you are not able to get the depth that the system should project. With the right setup you would have the perception of depth with vocals (most of them) near the front and the instruments either on the sides and/or behind - depends on the recording.

Still interested in seeing your setup with the paint/fabric; if you can post it.

rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 

Dear @treitz3  :  Thank's again.

I knew that I was missing " something " wider on what I could imagine.

For a few days I will be busy but I come back to you as soon is possible due that exist many critical and inresting audio  issues in your posts that I would like to share here.

Rigth now I only can think that in that " free space " the speaker efficiency spec could be really important.

 

R.

gdaddy1 OP
279 posts
 

@milpai Of course you still have to "work out your speaker placement". That's critical to the creation of the phantom stereo image. The 'black wall' simply makes the wall disappear and creates imaginary space for the musicans. As I pointed out, otherwise you're looking at a wall that detracts from the stereo experience you worked so hard to create.

I don't have a photo handy but my system looks like this with less equiptment clutter in front. Minimalism is key. Equiptment off to the side is even better.

 

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