I think it depends on the recording as you've discovered. I find quite a few old jazz recordings are almost entirely split left and right so the only center "fill" you have is less directional sound like drums.
Are there speakers that disappear regardless of the recording?
I have a pair of B&W 805d3’s. Strictly analog system. Source is the Clearaudio Ovation, Hana SL cart. Herron VTPH-2A phono stage. Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated amp. The speakers sound great most of the time. I have many records that cause the speakers to essentially disappear with a holographic sound stage, beautiful imaging and great dynamics. Some other records, not so much. Curious if there’s a way to achieve disappearing speakers no matter what recording you throw at them? Thanks!
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- 73 posts total
to me it depends on the positioning of the speakers more than any other aspect. with the right positioning they should disappear with most if not all recordings. unfortunately it usually requires lots of depth in your room, the speakers need to have open air all around and ~ 4 to 5 feet from the wall behind them. then adjust toe angle until you have a combination of a focused center image and disappearing speakers. |
I have to agree with @avanti1960 until your speakers are optimized. My speakers disappear after some repositioning. But @bhvf is absolute;y correct… those old recording with one guy an the left and one one the right, are just not going to disappear. Meaning some of the disappear has to be about the recording. |
- 73 posts total