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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?
128x128richardhk
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,968 posts
 

The overtone structures created by instruments have an enormous influence on their individual and signature timbres. Those overtones obviously don’t stop at 800Hz. The nature of the crossover plays a huge role in the loudspeaker’s ability to recreate both the fundamental tones and their overtones. Superior drivers make the design of the x/o an easier task.

In one of his Tech Talk Tuesday videos, Danny Richie (GR Research) shows the on and off axis response of individual drivers and complete loudspeakers, and demonstrates how improving the off axis response (often via the x/o, the design of which Danny is an expert) affects the loudspeaker’s total in room response, in both the amplitude and temporal domains.

Do yourself a huge favor and watch the videos!

vanya_42nd
4 posts
 
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)
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
If you close your eyes there should be no difference whatsoever between “you are there” and “they are here.” At the same time most systems are so well, unrevealing - is that too harsh a word? - that the question is actually moot. You’re certainly not there for recordings that are not recorded live. There is no there there. Hel-loo!
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,201 posts
 
I am glad to learn that my low cost tweaked system is not unrevealing...:)

Recorded live events mostly, but also churches spaces gives me the impression " to be there"... Because some spatial cues coming from the recordings vindicate my own room cues, especially in nearfield listening...

But I have this impression also to feel a great space encompassing my room or replacing it in regular listening distance...This immersive impression was in my audio system only after my advanced modification of the central breaker panel and the introduction of many Schumann generator with many thin golden plate+liliputian Herkimer diamond...

Otherwise in studio recordings "they are here" in an off beat virtual space most of the times ...
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,009 posts
 
I think the purpose of putting together a sound systems is to create a sound stage so you can imagine the artist playing between the speakers.  Being able to achieve this takes hours of listening to various speakers and amplifiers.  It also depends upon your budget.  That is why it helps to listen to various price ranges.  Going to audio shows is also a great place to start because you can listen to so many systems in just two days and there are people there who can explain what they are selling.  Then, it comes down to what you like hearing most and then decide on how much you want to spend.
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