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Sunfire: Holographic Imaging Opinions

Hi,

Let me start off my saying that you can find my system by searching "Man Cave System". It should give you a good description of the equipment and room environment. With that out of the way, my question is:

When listening to 2 channel music, do you use the Holographic imaging or not? What do you like about it if you use it? What do you dislike about it if you don't use it?

Thanks for your opinions,
Mike
vman71
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,610 posts
 
Yeah, I think it's just a matter of personal taste. I actually use the Sunfire for home theater only....as you can see, I have three preamps in my system, the Sunfire, the Audio Research LS-10 pre for 2-channel cd and the Carver tube preamp for phono.

The holographic thing is probably system dependent. Diffent strokes for different folks.
sean
6,231 posts
 
Sonic Holography works best with speakers that present a very focused dispersion pattern. Designs that are bipolar, dipolar, omni, etc... won't work all that well. Having said that, i've got it and haven't messed with it in a LONG time.

I remember experimenting with it at my Aunt & Uncle's system back in about 1980 ( i think ) and the results were pretty "over-blown". The stage came WAY out into the room and was phenomenally wide on some recordings. This was the first time that i had ever heard anything like this and the effect was both amusing and amazing. Most people thought of it as being a "novelty" or one of "Sideshow Bob's" latest and greatest "gimmicks", but it really does work and can produce enjoyable results on some discs. The good thing about this is that you can use it or bypass it as the flip of the switch or push of a button. Sean
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bjack70jr
65 posts
 
I have used it since Bob Carver invented it (>15 years ago). I always leave it on. It spreads the soundstage from corner to corner in my room. It produces real images and ambience far outside the speakers. The only downside it that you muse sit exactly between the speakers and it does dilute the central vocals.
tombowlus
416 posts
 
My first preamp was a Carver C-11 (it still does duty in my basement system). During the time that it was my primary preamp, I had the occassion to move a number of times. What I found was that even with all the other gear remaining constant, in some rooms the Sonic Holography made an improvement, and in others, it detracted. In my opinion, it has some merit, and is worth considering, although it will be room/gear dependant. I will say that in most of my locations, it sounded better with it off.
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