Holographic imaging

" I have found that putting sound out in front of the plane of the speakers is more related to speaker design (I have only experienced this phenom with a horn/cone hybrid and it a general soundfield attached to most recordings. But it was fascinating especially with that old Carver 9 holograpy machine in the loop). "

I have heard it to a huge extent recently in a dealer showroom using Krell 400xi integrated driving either Martin Logan electrostats or Focal dynamic/cone designs. Which speaker made little difference.

I think it had something to do largely with room acoustics as well, in other words, the portion of the room behind and to the sides of me was "hot" or very lively in relation to the area behind the speaks.

Yes, it is the recording, the rig, the room, the speakers, their placement, state of the power, even the weather and last not least our ears and what is between them. Which does what is devilishly difficult to pinpoint and the more experienced you are the more unsure you become. Just like real life, ain't it? (:

I agree with Detlof but I'd like to add that once ones equipment and the recorded music and room is capable of the holographic image, speaker placement is paramount.

I have an absolutely beautiful 3-d sonic hologram image with my electrostics. When my housekeeper just nudges them ever so slightly (i'm talking 1/4 inch...), that image is grossly effected.

Only too true Cerrot. Luckily my stators are too heavy to be moved by housekeepers. Wished I had some, h.-keepers that is.(:

Though it might be an anthema to those who fancy omni-directional (or those trying to aproximate that goal) speakers, I can't help but wonder what omni's might sound like in a heavily treated room that would mitigate the surrounding reflections.