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

Make your speakers truly disappear? Put 'em at the curb on trash day with "FREE" marked on 'em.  See how fast they go! (Your neighborhood recyclers will thank you.)

Two things:

First:  Which marijuana dispensary do you use?  I've gotta get me some of that hooch!  I think that would do the trick without painting my walls black and doing all that other hoodoo mumbo jumbo.

Second:  Reminds me of what we did in college (i.e.  smoking hooch, shutting off the lights and turning on a blacklight).  Heck!  That made even the most modest two-channel system sound like a Mikey Fremer set-u.  One night, I think a couple of us saw God.

I have white speakers.  Should I paint them black too?

Can I have speakers painted to match the walls instead??

I am thinking painting all equipment including rack to match the walls and make them ALL disappeared to make my wife happier.

If I paint my back wall black, the wife will make me disappear , 😂 

I simply close the lights and go into a blissful listening state.🎶

2 important questions:

what/which speakers?

whats your address?

my cousin Vinney will make them disappear. 

I’m not painting my room black. Proper speaker setup will get your speakers to disappear. It might take you longer than painting your wall to adjust your speakers but it’s a necessity, along with treating your room which is also a must.

Before painting your wall black, do what other agon posters have done is drink alcohol, they indicated that makes their system sound better 

When a system performs so superbly, even if your eyes are open and you have visual cues and a true 3-D experience? When a system makes you want to close your eyes to experience even more? 

That's when you know you are listening to a stellar system. 

Tom

Illuminating just the speakers tends to focus my attention on them as sound sources and works against soundstage imaging.

I agree with dimming all the lights or just closing my eyes.

I'd prefer a properly treated room over some black paint, You could shut off the lights you know.