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The Disappearing Act

Nope, I am not talking about some magic trick!  

I often read here and other forums, when someone describing sound of their system….the music flows and speakers simply disappears. Also read similar acclamation for an amp, preamp or DAC. 

Would you agree when someone experience this phenomenon, you’re left with nothing but the music in its purest form. I would say, it’s a testament to the synergy of your components, room acoustics and meticulous setup. 

I would like to know, were you listening to something particularly special when ‘disappearing act’ happens, or is it a consistent experience across the tracks?

lalitk

Showing 1 response by steakster

steakster
2,005 posts
 

The Disappearing Act

 

Your audio question reminds me of another artform.

In filmmaking, the goal is ’suspension of disbelief’. To be so engrossed in the storytelling that the audience disregards that they’re sitting in a movie theater. The elements include the script, acting, cinematography, production design, et al. The willingness (mood) of the viewer to be mesmerized also plays an important part. Having a darkened environment helps to block out distractions.*

If something breaks the spell - such as bad acting or lack of continuity - then the special experience is lost - and very difficult to regain.

IMHO, music playback also has a variety of elements that must work together synergistically to draw the listener in. The artistry in the recording, the engineering of the recording, the audio system, the room - and of course, the listener’s mindset. My appreciation of disappearing speakers increased substantially when distortion was finally exorcised from streaming.

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*Trying to recreate the move palace experience in a home theater is a major conundrum. The bigger the budget, the better the execution - usually. 🧐

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