When Did Your System Disappear?


As we upgrade our audio systems, things (hopefully) keep sounding better and better. I have found that after a certain point, the system completely disappears. It’s no longer a pair of speakers, amps, preamps, sources, etc. Music is created out of thin air floating between and behind the speakers with little to no colorations in the sound. The regular audio verbiage can be thrown out the window because all you hear is the recording. If something is bright or harsh or bass heavy, it’s the recording not your system.
I noticed this when I modified my source and preamp to accept better power supplies. Using a combination of linear power supplies and large SLA batteries took my system to a new level where the equipment just disappears. Of course, this wasn’t the only thing that helped. Up to that point, every component has been experimented on to achieve a high degree of synergy. Interconnects, power cables, speaker cables, etc. all play a role too. Everything matters. 

My question to you all is when did this happen in your system? Did it develop slowly over time or was there a definite change that occurred with a certain upgrade?
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Yes, they did. Here’s what they got:

Dynaco FM-3 tuner

Dynaco Pas-3 preamp 

Kenwood 120 WPC power amplifier 

Teak 10” reel to reel tape deck 

Technics turntable + cartridge 

Sony dual cassette deck 

DBX-3bx compressor/expander

Bose 901 Series IV speakers and stands

120 +/- LP records, pre-recorded cassette and reel to reel tapes

50 +/- blank Memorex cassette and reel to reel tapes

home-built LED clock in rosewood veneer plywood case




It was mid century modern dream. And it had many dark secrets that I would discover later.
Sandthemall: Don't leave us hangin', tell us about the house!
When Did Your System Disappear?

When I got divorced

This happened to me once. It became the most expensive system I ever owned as I had to buy it from her when she changed the locks....!
Yes,we want to know some dark secrets!

My system does the disappearing act more often since I've replaced the input tubes in my pre with nos Mullards.The room treatments along with getting the bass dialed in was the biggest step forward in being able to hear that illusion.