Make speakers disappear. Simple, cheap

You need to create the 'canvas' for the image to appear.The back wall behind the speakers should be flat black and as dark as possible. NO lights on the center back wall. My favorite is a matte dark black fabric that also aids in reducing reflections off the sheetrock.

You want to create the illusion that there is NO back wall. Just a deep, dark abyss from which the instruments will magically appear.

@gdaddy1 

I completely ignored your post when I read that initial comment, because you mentioned about "fabric", "dark abyss", etc. But....

FYI... it's not just color that makes the magic happen.The lighting level, direction and the color temperature(Kelvin) of the bulbs are also extremely important. In fact, lighting is the probably the most over looked design flaw in most homes and can take you home to a new level when done properly. 

...this is where you nailed it. It's all about lighting/ambience! I am 100% with you on this. Flat lighting just kills the "audio experience". The "somber" the lighting is, your eyes will focus less and your ears will focus more and that is how our senses compensate.

@milpai knowing your proclivity for ambience…

Good question — indirectly, yes, red light can be beneficial for the audio listening experience, but not because it changes sound quality. It influences your perception, mood, and focus, which are important in critical or immersive listening. Here’s how:

🎵

Potential Benefits of Red Light in Listening Rooms

1. Reduced Visual Distraction
   • Red light is low on the spectrum and tends to create a soft, less stimulating environment.
   • This allows you to focus more on sound rather than what you see, similar to dimming the lights in a theater.
2. Relaxation & Mood
   • Warm colors like red and amber can promote a sense of warmth, intimacy, and relaxation.
   • Relaxed listeners often report greater engagement with music and improved emotional connection.
3. Eye Comfort at Night
   • Red light minimally disrupts night vision and circadian rhythm compared to blue/white light.
   • If you listen to music late in the evening, red lighting won’t stimulate your brain into thinking it’s daytime, keeping you in a more natural listening state.
4. Aesthetic & Atmosphere
   • The right ambience enhances the subjective experience of listening.
   • Many audiophiles and music lovers curate their room lighting for mood — red light is a common choice for jazz, electronic, ambient, or intimate acoustic music.