A free tweak revisited


I am absolutely positive that this subject has been discussed before, but last night as I was listening I was reflecting on how big a difference (for me) turning the lights off and (probably redundantly) closing my eyes makes.  My listening room is a quite near field environment, but with the lights off/eyes shut I hear the illusion of a sound stage wider than the boundaries of the room with height and some depth.  (However, the sound stage I get is not as deep as it is wide.)  Opening my eyes and looking at the speakers so close to me is kind of like sticking a pin in the balloon. 

immatthewj

I'm an eyes open/good lighting/good view kind of guy. . Frankly, I haven't listened in the dark since my hippie days, which terminated some time in the previous century.

This might also have something to do with just not having electricity running to the light fixture(s). Everything in the house that draws electricity has the potential to affect the sound. I know if I switch off the breaker to my fridge my system sounds a lot better. Maybe your light is messing with your system? Could happen!

I am opposite, with my eyes open and the lights on my field of hearing is way better defined. 

I am with you @baylinor.

I used to come home wasted from the bar or club many times a week and put headphones on, close my eyes, and experience the same thing. Then I’d wake up in the same position at 6am and have to get ready for work. 

I have dimmers everywhere in my house, especially in my main listening room (the living room I suppose). No issues from dimmer related hum as I use great cables and have always had good hum busting power supplies and good AC conditioning (currently a Bryston BIT 15). It's absolutely a fact that dimming or eliminating light (I like the theatrical effect of interesting lighting....paintings are lit, good spots here and there) makes other senses more sensitive. I can't stand overly "hot" lights in other people's houses, restaurants, or anywhere...except my motorcycle headlight.