signals in an automobile audio system having at least two near - field speakers located close to an intended position of a listener &# 39 ; s head are adjusted such that in a first mode , audio signals are distributed to the near - field speakers according to a first filter that causes the listener to perceive a wide soundstage , and in a second mode , the audio signals are distributed to the near - field speakers according to a second filter that causes the listener to perceive a narrow soundstage . a user input of a variable value is received and , in response , distribution of the audio signals is transitioned from the first mode to the second mode , the extent of the transition being variable based on the value of the user input .