I've recently learned that we have one neural pathway which conveys the electrical signals from our inner ear to the brain. We also have many (30? 40?) pathways coming FROM the brain TO our ears! Why? Good question. My guess is that the brain stores "templates" for what our eyes and ears are "expecting" to hear.
Example: I was just listening to a recording with plentiful soundstage (first cut on "Ricki Lee Jones" first album). I could hear the initial reverb (I was preoccupied with something else) but thought there should be "more". I stopped doing what I was doing and focused only on the music. At this point, my brain was probably loading the parameters for "music with vast soundstage". Indeed, I did hear more "depth" and "decay" in the music.
Then I found your post. Merry Christmas!
Example: I was just listening to a recording with plentiful soundstage (first cut on "Ricki Lee Jones" first album). I could hear the initial reverb (I was preoccupied with something else) but thought there should be "more". I stopped doing what I was doing and focused only on the music. At this point, my brain was probably loading the parameters for "music with vast soundstage". Indeed, I did hear more "depth" and "decay" in the music.
Then I found your post. Merry Christmas!