# Hearing Spatial Detail in Stereo Recordings **Abstract:** In natural hearing we sense direction, distance and surrounding space of a sound source. In stereo playback over loudspeakers at +/-300 we perceive real and phantom sources. Auditory cues for source direction, distance and surroundings are present, but are often corrupted by the loudspeakers themselves, by their placement in the room and by room reflections due to their radiation pattern. Loudspeakers and room can be perceptually hidden from attention. Reflections must be sufficiently delayed and mimic the direct sound by having the same spectral content. What remains is a 3-dimensional phantom auditory scene in front of the listener, behind the loudspeakers. Such scene can be studied with confidence to determine spatial plausibility and believability of a stereophonic recording/mix. Loudspeakers with constant directivity, such as omni, dipole or cardioid, are necessary to realize this benefit. **Authors:** [[Linkwitz]]