How Many Listeners Here Listen Mostly With Eyes Closed?

Recent happening to relay on subject:

Wife and I were visiting her mother in her elder care facility.

Really nice place. Each wing has rooms set up like homey dens with couches, tv, electric fireplaces, etc.

Left her room to walk with her and when we entered the hallway, we were met by the most beautiful violin music. I mean just a gorgeous sound. Caught totally by surprise. My first thought was wondering what the heck kind of sound system did they have set up to sound so amazing. We followed the music to one of the living room areas and there in the middle of the room was a man playing the violin. No amplification, no pick up, just the notes coming straight from the bow and strings. He was a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra who had a friend there. He came about once a month to play for the residents. We sat on one of the couches and listened. If any of you have ever been profoundly moved by a musical passage, you’ll know what I mean.

To hear that talented man play with such feeling and depth, to hear that violin in its purest form, it was an ethereal experience. I couldn’t help but shut my eyes and get lost in it. Not five feet from him, eyes closed, chin to my chest, listening as if nothing else existed. It literally felt like as the music entered my ears it found its way to my heart and into the deepest part of my being. Words pale to the experience. I am certain that without my eyes closed, the depth of that experience wouldn’t have been so profound. It was tear inducing, soul filling joy, and it was wonderful.

I'm a Stanley Kubrick fan, so it's eyes wide shut.... 

Eyes closed.  But only when I’m driving.

Quite often, with all types of music.  My speakers, Fyne F-702s, have superb imaging, and it does NOT appear that the music is coming from them, but I still close my eyes to listen intently.  I even at times turn all the lights off to listen. Both practices help me focus on the music.

When I first moved here, and came up with my arrangement with the table between the speakers, I closed my eyes, the phantom imaging was all there.

After knowing that for some time, I no longer needed to, I can ignore what I see and hear what I hear. My friends who have been here a few times say the same thing.

I have a young friend that I promised we will move the table out, put down a rug, and he can experience that. It’s hard to believe it makes no real difference.

However, at night, it can be very nice to close your eyes, and sometimes hear things you were unaware of.

Yesterday, very relaxed, I listened to SADE, Promise. First, I was thinking about how well the cartridge was doing with the electric bass, then, some tracks, you realize there is a lot going on, more than I heard before.