I get greatly more enjoyment whenever speakers seem to disappear, though that isn't to say that certain instruments aren't placed directly in front of the speakers when the recording dictates. If I can clearly place the speakers as the source of the recording,it seems more obvious that I am listening to a recording, and I find it harder to suspend reality if you will.
A "wall" of sound, even if my eyes are open, with instruments being clearly defined, in an almost 3d manner, in space, to me, greatly enhances my enjoyment. Maybe wall isn't the best word choice for various reasons, but sound that seems to be able to eminate well beyond the side boundries of the speakers, far behind the rear wall, as well as in front of the speakers if needed creates an illusion of reality that I find enjoyable. I guess I find it easier to believe I am not listening to recorded music when I can look at the speakers and swear that they aren't playing.
I played a recording of the opening of a rendition of toreador's song to a friend. He was impressed at the placement of vocals, but when I told him only my two main speakers were playing he laughed and told me I was pulling his leg. He swore my center channel speaker as well as some "hidden speakers" were the only way such a soundstage could be created.
A "wall" of sound, even if my eyes are open, with instruments being clearly defined, in an almost 3d manner, in space, to me, greatly enhances my enjoyment. Maybe wall isn't the best word choice for various reasons, but sound that seems to be able to eminate well beyond the side boundries of the speakers, far behind the rear wall, as well as in front of the speakers if needed creates an illusion of reality that I find enjoyable. I guess I find it easier to believe I am not listening to recorded music when I can look at the speakers and swear that they aren't playing.
I played a recording of the opening of a rendition of toreador's song to a friend. He was impressed at the placement of vocals, but when I told him only my two main speakers were playing he laughed and told me I was pulling his leg. He swore my center channel speaker as well as some "hidden speakers" were the only way such a soundstage could be created.