The “They are here” vs “You are there” sound topic


Hi all,

I want to start a topic about the “They are here” vs “You are there” type of sound. I have read that different audiophiles usually fall in one of either categories, but what does it actually mean? So here a few questions:

- what is the definition of “They are here” vs “You are there” in your opinion?
- what is the main difference in sound? E.g. soundstage
- which kind of sound do you prefer?
- which type of speakers fall in one or the other category in your opinion?
- what type of sources, amplifiers or even cables fall in one or the other category in your opinion?

For instance, I believe the Esoteric products from Japan fall in the they are here type of sound. Do you feel the same?
richardhk

Showing 1 response by vanya_42nd

In my opinion, most of it is recording centric. If you want a true "You are There" feeling get great headphones and biaural recordings. 

There next best is anything recorded with ambient mics adding some concert hall reverberations and audience noise. 

In my opinion dipoles give the best liveness to recordings. I don't dampen rear walls but I do move them into the room some. 

Back in the day a pair of Infinity 4.5's and a large room with biamplification and massive amps was one path that consistently got me there. Another was a pair a Maggie IIR's with a pair of Duntech Thor subs. This was also in a very large space. 

I recall playing Roger Waters Raido Chaos and consistently stopping my host to ask if his dog was ok when the dog on the album barks. He said it was the biggest compliment anyone ever gave his system. It happened multiple times. I just couldn't distinguish the bark from reality. It sounded like a dog in distress. (this happened on the Maggie's)