Lights, Art, and My CLS's

[karma]

HI All,
This thread is a continuation of a conversation I had with lugano in another thread. Lugano, are you here?

We explored the possibilities of using creative lighting behind the speakers similar to the photo of lugano's system where he used ordinary light. I suggested a motorized color wheel because I thought it would look kind of neat playing off the diffusers I have against the wall behind the speakers.

Lugano was not very enthusiastic thinking it would look boorish. I more or less agreed. But, never letting bad taste get in my way, I researched and found a motorized color wheel on the net and bought one. I received it today.

Well, I think it's a good idea. With the room lights down low, the colors playing off the diffusers are really nice. Of course, the transparent panels show the whole show from the listening position. The motor is silent and the unit is small enough to hide behind the speakers.

Now I have to buy another one for the other channel. I think I will get really fancy and also buy a remote control light switch so I won't have get off my lazy A** to turn them on and off.

What do you all think of the possibilities of this idea?

Sparky

 

[risabet]

Does your house have wheels?

If not don't do it. Why cheapen what is a beautiful speaker both visually and sonically with a distracting lighting gimmick. My $.02.

 

[Charliemike]

I'm not sure about constantly changing light but I do like to see the panels backlit. I think it looks good.

 

[karma]

If not don't do it. Why cheapen what is a beautiful speaker both visually and sonically with a distracting lighting gimmick. My $.02.

HI risabit,
Ah well, Van Gogh only sold one painting during his tragically short life. Such is the existance of an artist .

I do agree that the CLS's are beautiful without any help from me. But consider, I have been looking at the same speakers for over 15 years. A little variety might be OK. I wouldn't do it if I did not like the appearance. But, with the diffusers lit up it looks really good. And the color wheel does not have to be on all the time, you know.

Also, I listen seriously only with my eyes closed. The lights are not distracting. I only see them when the music is over or I have to hit the head or change the record.

What is a gimmick for one is beautiful to another. Imagination is lacking here, I think.

Thanks, Sparky

 

[risabet]

Karma,

Your point is well taken.

 

[ralflar]

As an eye catcher while dining or entertaining friends, a color wheel behind Logans like you describe could be very nice indeed!

For all other uses I would prefer more stable background lighting, though. Another thread asks if you listen with your eyes closed or opened. Well, when the music is enjoyable, I close my eyes, and consequently enjoy the music even more. So I reckon that I would have very little use for a color wheel at all. There is also the possibility that the changing light, even when perceived through closed eye lids, might detract me enough to open my eyes. That'd be an intrusion.

It would be cool though, if one could simply and reliably select a color, according to room, audience, and mood.

 

[karma]

HI All,
Based upon the replies so far, I think you all are not visualizing the situation very well. Understand, I'm not trying to convince you to immediately whip out your credit card and buy color wheels. I'm only presenting an idea for your consideration. An open mind is always helpful when presented with new ideas. Try for this, please.

Agreement, of course, is always appreciated . But it's not mandatory (sigh).

IMO, the most stunning aspect of ML panels is their transparency. At night with all the room lighting is in front of the panels, the impact of the see-through feature is largely lost. Even during the day my room is fairly dim due to drawn curtains and dark walnut paneling which underplays the see-through qualities. Any sort of back lighting restores the impact. Whether the light source is an ordinary light or a color wheel, back lighting is very effective.

Do you know what diffusers look like? If not, google them and you will see that they are physical expressions of mathematical beauty. They are visually interesting unlike normal acoustic treatments. They cast an interesting set of shadows. They catch light and create highlights that suggests and emphasizes the equations on which they are based. Even if the viewer is not mathematically oriented, the underlying truth is felt in the same way an orchid flower inspires awe with its sexual function which is based upon the universal curves of its design. No, I'm not making the absurd point that diffusers are sexy. Just that the universe is mathematically based that we respond to in, perhaps, an unconscious manner. It is this quality that I'm trying to capture.

The changing colors may or may not appeal. It's an experiment for me. I've only had the color wheel installed (if sitting on the floor can be described as an installation) for a few hours. I may change my mind and discard the whole idea. But so far, I'm impressed. That's why I decided to post the idea and shake up your realities which I am clearly doing. Good!! Stay open - always.

Thanks, Sparky

 

[karma]

As an eye catcher while dining or entertaining friends, a color wheel behind Logans like you describe could be very nice indeed!

For all other uses I would prefer more stable background lighting, though. Another thread asks if you listen with your eyes closed or opened. Well, when the music is enjoyable, I close my eyes, and consequently enjoy the music even more. So I reckon that I would have very little use for a color wheel at all. There is also the possibility that the changing light, even when perceived through closed eye lids, might detract me enough to open my eyes. That'd be an intrusion.

It would be cool though, if one could simply and reliably select a color, according to room, audience, and mood.

HI ralflar,
Again, your are not correctly visualizing. The color wheel is not putting out megawatts of light. It uses a 30W bulb which is focused through a lens. The wheel itself is inscribed with a diffusion pattern. The result is quite a soft, understated glow that changes color as the wheel rotates at about 1 revolution per 10 seconds. I'm sure other color wheels are somewhat different.

The light does not knock you out of your chair. It is not obtrusive even with all the room lights off.

Sparky

 

[sleepysurf]

... I researched and found a motorized color wheel on the net and bought one...

How 'bout a link to the one you bought?
And pics, please post some high-res, bandwidth-hoggin' pics <G>

 

[karma]

How 'bout a link to the one you bought?
And pics, please post some high-res, bandwidth-hoggin' pics <G>

HI sleepy,
Here is the link:

http://www.offthedeepend.com/pc-254-123-pin-spotlight-motorized-color-wheel.aspx

The link works. I'll try to get some pics of the color wheel in action. I need to get my photo trip together first.

Thanks for showing some interest.

Sparky

 

[sleepysurf]

Interesting! I surfed their other links, and found this cool LED color wheel/spot, that can be programmed to respond to music!!!! It's pricey, but sounds cool!

http://www.offthedeepend.com/pc-1908-23-led-color-wheel-pinspot.aspx

 

[sleepysurf]

I LOVE shopping with Google... here it is for $130!
http://www.directproaudio.com/product.cfm?directid=56659

 

[IWalker]

Howabout a lava lamp behind it?

 

[karma]

Interesting! I surfed their other links, and found this cool LED color wheel/spot, that can be programmed to respond to music!!!! It's pricey, but sounds cool!

http://www.offthedeepend.com/pc-1908-23-led-color-wheel-pinspot.aspx

HI sleepy,
Pretty cool alright. Do you know how it is powered? I suspect batteries.

Thanks, Sparky

 

[ralflar]

HI All,
Based upon the replies so far, I think you all are not visualizing the situation very well. Understand, I'm not trying to convince you to immediately whip out your credit card and buy color wheels. I'm only presenting an idea for your consideration. An open mind is always helpful when presented with new ideas. Try for this, please.
...

To open up closed minds you need photos.

Show us how it looks in your room. Forum members like photos.

 

[DTB300]

To open up closed minds you need photos.

For a good picture, just think "Bee Gee's" singing with John Travolta doing his thing.

 

[ralflar]

I can picture that only too well...

 

[karma]

To open up closed minds you need photos.

Show us how it looks in your room. Forum members like photos.

HI ralflar,
Yeah, you are right. Taking a pic is not going to be so easy because I will be doing it in the dark. Very tough exposure. Plus, right now I'm installing my new turntable.

Actually, if you can't imagine it, maybe you are not a candidate for this art (?). I didn't have a picture. Somehow I just don't think the mental picture is that tough to imagine.

 

[ralflar]

You are right, it is not difficult. But the picture that I see is not the one you would like me to see. I understand that good photos can be difficult to take in dim light. Even not-so-great ones are better than words alone, though.

 

[karma]

HI ralfar,
You are wrong about what I want you to see. I want you to see what your imagination shows to you. If you don't like the picture then so be it. Your imagination is yours and yours alone. Visualization, I realize, is difficult for some folks and you may one those. For me, it's easy. I have always wondered about these differences between people.

Your strenghs are probably my weaknesses. And vice versa. Anyway, I do think you are right about some pictures which I will try to take tonight.

BTW, my new Oracle Delphi V with Turbo power supply with the black granite base, the attached Graham 2.2 Deluxe arm, and a Clearaudio Discovery cartridge are singing. I like it. I'm breaking the cartridge in right now and after 10 hours things are getting better. I'll do a critical set up after about 50 hours. What a beautiful rig.

Oop's, Ella just finished. I'll be right back.

I put on more Ella. She was my Mom's favorite singer.

Can any of you good people instruct me how to post a picture? I've never done it before.

Thanks, Sparky