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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?
128x128mkgus
ejr1953
917 posts
 
...when I boxed up all the components and loaded them up in a "climate controlled" storage unit, in preparation for listing our house for sale...

But seriously, after I got the room acoustics under control, the synergy of all the components really started to shine.
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vegasears
1,173 posts
 
With every upgrade my system became more transparent and it disappeared the minute I powered up my Mcintosh C2500.
fleschler
2,021 posts
 
My system is high end but the speakers are always present.  The sound based on the OP has the sound disappear but I have found that there is an identifiable speaker location for many recordings.  Sure, mono recordings can fill the room from wall to wall without an identifiable speaker but stereo is more problematic, particularly early stereo and Van Gelder jazz recordings.  I blame my speakers the most as they are 25+ year old big box dynamic type (Legacy Focus).  I wouldn't trade my sound for 99% of the audio systems because the sound is more than just open, it is alive, not SOTA I've heard that can eliminate anything between the source and the listener, but sufficiently close.  I used to own many electrostats and sitting in one seat without turning my head, I often had the speakers disappear but at what cost?   My Legacy Signature IIIs disappear more often due to their rear ambiance tweeter.  My next speaker will be a high end Von Schweikert which also has an array of rear drivers to make the speakers disappear
english210
175 posts
 
I’ve had a few wow moments, starting when I upgraded my power amp, again when I upgraded the speakers. Initially I deliberately left them I spiked on the hardwood floor while I took some time to experiment with placement, and once I’d decided on that, it happened again when I installed the spikes/floor protectors. Part of the wow-factor has been the surprise at each step, because I didn’t expect to experience the level of improvement. 
It’s hard to type, still chuckling at @testpilot that was a great post after all the serious recitations prior. I’ve been through that, and coming home to an empty house when I was ‘relieved’ of my system in the mid 80’s. No great loss there though.
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