Hmmm maybe I should take down that 3 stooges poster on the wall. 🤔
Sonic correlations with art in the listening space
I’ve been doing some serious listening room optimization lately and wanted to share some findings that I think will genuinely move the needle for people.
I started with a Van Gogh Starry Night print on the front wall. The effect was immediately apparent — the soundstage became more active and forward, treble took on an aggressive, almost agitated quality, and there was a swirling, turbulent energy in the upper midrange that I can only describe as "post-impressionistic." Bass was present but restless. Not unpleasant, but fatiguing over long sessions.
I swapped in a Monet Water Lilies — same frame, same wall position, same listening chair. The transformation was remarkable. Highs rolled off beautifully, the whole presentation became more diffuse and liquid, with a kind of shimmering quality in the upper frequencies that never hardened. Soundstage depth increased noticeably. Jazz and classical particularly benefited. Vocals floated with an almost pond-like serenity.
I’m currently experimenting with a Rothko — early results suggest a warm, enveloping midrange with somewhat ill-defined edges, though the color temperature of the piece may be a confounding variable. A Mondrian is on order and I’m expecting tight, articulate bass with excellent channel separation.
Has anyone else explored this? I feel like the art/acoustics interaction is seriously underexplored in this hobby. Would love to hear other findings. Measurements welcome but I’m not sure the Klippel can capture this yet.
P.S. But seriously – I AM curious about the effect of decor on your overall listening experiences. I am making a joke above, but I do spend time tweaking my lighting and other things and seeing how impacts of visual art on mood effect listening experience.
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"...Any time I walk into a silent room, I feel compelled to turn something on to make the silence go away..." "Sounds like an interesting case for a therapist." My thoughts as well. When I go into a quiet space it is as if my entire body relaxes. The silence is so comforting. I am privileged enough to have a forest near by and each day I take the dogs for a walk. The suburban sounds are muted and I can feel my inner peace overflowing. I love how the music (symphony hall or home audio room) can slowly come out of the hush. |
I also have some family portraits in my listening area. I say keep it up. Thanks for your comments. I agree with the idea that we should pay attention to everything involved in the experience if we can. A whole complex combines to make the experience for me. Sometimes I do close my eyes, but I start from and return to a certain space, with certain atmospherics. I wonder if anyone here has added smell to the equation – an infuser with nice scents? That would be another experiment in synethesia and/or atmosphere.
I listened to your clip – I'm amazed, but your system sounds just like my macbook's speakers! |
@hilde45 - Absolutely smell counts too, especially if it smells like cannabis! |
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