I'm not sure if this has been posted lately, but is there any way to turn the front panel lights off of our Mac gear? I love to listen to my 2 channel in complete darkness, but even with the meters off and the dimming set to the lowest, the "mac" logos etc, tend to throw alot of light; any suggestions?...am I being picky? What do the home theatre guys do with their Mac gear to "turn out the lights?"
Turning off the lights....
- Thread starter lyle1
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I am trying to practice more "deep listening" and I usually put a black blanket over the equipment.
Alberto
zenith2134
Lunatic Member
Mc guys deliberately trying to do a 'lights-out'??!!
If I had Mc gear it would be glowing proudly in the equipment rack.
But yeah, I used to throw a t-shirt or something like it over my Pioneer SX-838 and Marantz 2250B when listening at night. For some reason, blue is especially annoying in the darkness of night.
If I had Mc gear it would be glowing proudly in the equipment rack.
But yeah, I used to throw a t-shirt or something like it over my Pioneer SX-838 and Marantz 2250B when listening at night. For some reason, blue is especially annoying in the darkness of night.
'cisco
Well-Known Member
I'd just leave them on....they look fabulous in the dark :yes:
or....I could do this...just for my C220 of course vents excluded
Macs covered up
or....I could do this...just for my C220 of course vents excluded
Macs covered up
Alberto.......I see a new product for market. "Alberto's Blackout Blanket". Deep listening like you've never experience before. Embroidered McIntosh logo, standard sizes, and custom sizes by special order. Prices begin at $$$.00, with quanity discounts available. What do you think? :scratch2:
'cisco
Well-Known Member
'cisco, those surgery towels don't do your MAC pieces justice.
At least they're blue
Actually helps with acoustics too if your gear is between the speakers. :yes:
howiebrou
Super Member
Jericho
Active Member
I made a modification on my MX-135, the 1201's and the 501's so I can dim them completely with a small switch on each unit.
The most complex is the 501, you have to add a small resistance of 1/4 watt on the print (did it myself) and it works fine for more than a year now!!!
Regards
Jericho
The most complex is the 501, you have to add a small resistance of 1/4 watt on the print (did it myself) and it works fine for more than a year now!!!
Regards
Jericho
I actually think that's a GREAT idea
- great minds think alike because I had actually thought about something very similar - but for the sound rather than the light.I have a bunch of heavy black blankets around my listening room. When I do serious listening I use them to cover some reflecting surfaces (e.g. paintings with glass front and a couple of hardwood tables).
I also hang a heavy blanket behind me to reduce back reflection that can lead to some comb filtering.
Alberto
I am actually serious. There is something about listening in complete darkness that enhances the experience. Not seeing the components/speakers enhances the illusion of live sound. I have some jazz recordings where I actually do feel I am there (e.g. Bill Evans' "Waltz for Debby").
There is also an acoustic reason for doing so, as beautiful as the McIntosh glass is, it's a very reflecting surface and putting some med/high-frequency absorption in front of it improves the stability of the soundstage (at least in my room and system).
Most of the time, my McIntosh lights and meters shine gloriously, but about 20% of the time - usually in the evening - all the lights go down, I recline in my listening chair, turn off the visual processing side of my brain, and let the music take over 100%.
Alberto
I actually think that's a GREAT idea
I have a bunch of heavy black blankets around my listening room. When I do serious listening I use them to cover some reflecting surfaces (e.g. paintings with glass front and a couple of hardwood tables).
I also hang a heavy blanket behind me to reduce back reflection that can lead to some comb filtering.
Alberto
You are not alone. When critical listening, I use some blankets/thick towels to cover the glass doors on my entertainment set and the tv in my listening room. Makes a big difference! You should see the expression on my wife's face as she happens to walk by the room.... :screwy:
I am sure glad I am not the only one that wants "complete" darkness occasionally. During the day or not critical listening I love "full blue" meters on and all. I am surprised that McIntosh doesn't give us that option from the factory. We've got the knob to turn the meters off, it shouldn't be that difficult to make one more turn of that knob to turn all the lights out...something to think about.
Dan's suggestion might be easiest...close your eyelids.....
Dan's suggestion might be easiest...close your eyelids.....
Believe me, I've seen that face in my wife ... and kids ... and friends ....
I am glad there's at least another person who understands :thmbsp:.
Alberto
Not quite the same. Perhaps I have lightweight eyelids, but I can tell the difference between being in darkness and just closing my eyes.
Alberto
Axcel
Accuphase all the way
I'd just leave them on....they look fabulous in the dark :yes:
or....I could do this...just for my C220 of course vents excluded
Macs covered up
100% agreed Mac and the big blue are meant to be seen
Alberto.......I agree. I have experienced complete, total darkness many times. It is quite different than eyes closed. There is a thickness, and a weight present in total darkness that can only be experienced by being there.
My comment to Lyle was just poking fun.