#sound image

[petitmonsieur1]

En terrasse

[petitmonsieur1]

Fond marin

[richardvarey]

Turn it up again ... (and why)

(Again) I’ve been surprised by the effects of playing music loud, but not too loud. As sound volume increases from a stereo system, the perceived stereo image often widens and sharpens due to human hearing physiology. Louder levels enhance interaural level differences between ears, making panned elements feel more distinctly separated across the soundstage.Higher sound levels amplify subtle cues…

[richardvarey]

Blumlein’s Dream Revisited: Stereo as Stagecraft or Storytelling

Alan Blumlein invented stereo to solve the problem of sound not following characters on screen, but in practice stereo became standardised around stable, stationary sound sources because of recording conventions, playback environments, and listener expectations.  —🎬 Blumlein’s Original Vision – Blumlein conceived stereo in 1931 after being frustrated at the cinema: when a character walked across…

[richardvarey]

Going deep with sound stage depth

To get the best impression of image depth (a 3D-like spatial sense) with stereo speakers, you need to focus on optimising stereo imaging, soundstage, and listening environment. What to do?🎧 1. Speaker PlacementCorrect speaker placement is critical for depth and soundstage.Optimal layout:Form an equilateral triangle: The distance between the two speakers should equal the distance from each…

[richardvarey]

The "Is it live?" argument

An insightful comment on my previous post about audio engineers debunking audiophile assertions prompted me to re-examine the idea that we can create a realistic representation of musicians playing live in our homes. Argument FOR “Live music production should sound like studio recordings” Technical Excellence Standard: Studio recordings represent the pinnacle of audio engineering – perfect…

[richardvarey]

The power of perspective

This image of my listening view from my seat is a case in point about how a captured image through a lens is a presented version of reality. It makes my room seem large and the speakers distant, whereas the actual separation between me and the doors is 3.5m. What I’m seeing directly is a large rectangular vertical surface across my field of vision, punctuated with greenery and sky. The side…

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[richardvarey]

Audio system presentation

What is a system of music audio components operating in a listening room? It renders a recording for the listener. Is that all it does? Is it simply a bridge or conduit between an encoded recording, in whatever carrying medium format, and playback generating sound? I understand the function to be presenter. The purpose is not inert neutral reproduction of content but to create an engaging…