I have a pair of Meadowlark Swifts wich are more or less floorstanding monitors. I don't have exact dimensions but I sit about three feet from the wall behind me, my speakers are about six feet apart, about three and a half feet from the side walls, and about five to six feet from the wall behind them. For me this set up works, I seem to be really sensitive to the amount of space behind the speakers, and I also like to listen closer than most audiophiles. I find I get the best soundstage this way, in width and especially depth. as the speakers are farther away from me, as they are in most dealer's showrooms, I find I have to strain to hear the music and strain to connect with it. And of course the music has to be turned up way loud to feel the music, I can't describe it much better than that I'm sorry. The music has to be turned up loud to get any type of dynamics as well. These of course are all my personal feelings toward listening, but I just don't hear music the same way I do live when the speakers are far from me( I listen to mostly jazz by the way, even though I feel the same way about orchestral music as well). But of course try it and see wich way you like best, and have fun. As much as I like to think about the equipment, three's nothing like the feeling when everything is right and you can concentrate on the music.
Maximum distance from my monitors
OK guys, here's the scoop. I have my speakers set up in a way less than optimal position. I'm sitting in a pefect triangle, however, I'm just six feet from my speakers which are also 6 feet apart. They are 6" from the back wall and my listening chair is right against the wall that's behind it(chair). Terrible!, I know. Finally, (diamond stud earrings helped, of course), my wife is going to let me move my system to the other side of the living room. I'm going to place the speakers (the best I can do, given my room dimensions) toed in slightly, 2 feet from the side walls and 3 1/2 feet from the back wall.---6 feet apart. My listening chair will have 3 feet behind it before the wall. I'll be 12 feet from the speakers. Is this too far? Will I be giving up anything? I can get closer, but that will require moving a chair closer, when listening, to make that happen. The, chair, although movable, has to remain where it is for optimal living. Not listening, though. I'd appreciate feedback on the distances. Given, where my speakers were (on the long wall, as well) and where they will be now, I'm excited about the anticipated improvement, regardless. SOUNDSTAGE!, alone will do it, for me. I'm just waiting on an electician (my electrician loves me. thinks I'm nuts, of course) to put in the dedicated lines/Hubbells; and then I'm off. Should be a day or two. I hope I gave you enough info. Thanks in advance, my fellow audiophools. peace, warren