If it cost big money to do it it would sound better to more. Different ain’t good enough.
Mickey Mouse Ears
Let's do an experiment. While listening to your music system from your ideal seating position, cup both of your hands and place them behind your ears facing the speakers. Do you like it? Does it sound better? There is no doubt it sounds different. It is not like trying to determine if there is a difference between one cable and another. I think maybe it does sound better, at least in some qualities. It's louder for sure. It's kind of like putting on headphones. A lot of people probably think headphones sound better than speakers.
If it does sound better in any way, why has no one invented audiophile Micky Mouse ears to wear on your head, too funny looking? How about a high back chair with reflectors built into the headrest? What do you think? Should I run out and get a patent?
If it does sound better in any way, why has no one invented audiophile Micky Mouse ears to wear on your head, too funny looking? How about a high back chair with reflectors built into the headrest? What do you think? Should I run out and get a patent?
22 responses Add your response
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My family had very high-backed leather couches that I distinctly recall amplified the sound of conversation. It was a very noticeable difference. For a listening chair, the sound would at least be changed in some way. I occasionally see system photos with high backed listening chairs and I wonder what that is like to live with. I personally prefer to keep things open behind me. I had an ikea poang chair that definitely extended behind my head. I know a lot of other audiophiles use one. Mine was in leather so it was particularly reflective. The sound was completely different in a way that I did not like. It did not make a good listening chair for me. Maybe it works well for others. |
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Wow, so somebody already invented them, I've never seen that. I guess I'm not getting rich today. I didn't read all 538 Amazon reviews, but one said
"particularly useful with classical orchestral music. The violins are heard much clearer and are more separated". I am curious to know if anyone has ever used them for home stereo listening.
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tjkurita34 posts01-27-2021 6:18pm"...I had an ikea poang chair that definitely extended behind my head. I know a lot of other audiophiles use one. Mine was in leather so it was particularly reflective. The sound was completely different in a way that I did not like. It did not make a good listening chair for me..." Same experience here. Reflections off the leather of my high-back chair changed the tonal balance (increased highs) which I didn't like. Covering the top half of the chair with a cloth afghan tool care of the problem. |
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Ok now that the topic has been broached it’s worth discussing what is happening there when one clasps their hands behind their ears. Anybody not hear a difference? It’s a rare tweak anyone can easily try anytime while listening. Need to try some more. My recollection is added warmth through the midrange. I think it is because those are the frequencies that MM ears seem to affect. Also in the range our ears hear best. Could also be some ambience happening from the additional reflected sound. |