Micro position adjustments


Does anyone notice some big sound changes from some small movements to the position of furniture or equipment/television positioned between your speakers?

For example, if I toe-in my tv or my preamp (that sits just between and below tweeter level of my ProAc Studio 200s) less than one degree, my center image becomes much larger, also comes forward.....and midbass to lower midrange is fuller. Bringing either or both back outward...again, even just a degree or less makes the soundstage more distant and images smaller.

Another  one.....pulling my equipment rack forward/back.....or moving my corner bass traps a mere 1/8” can change my system’s bass response and apparent overall timing.

This all to a degree similar to replacing a component.....

Now, my system is across the short wall of a 13’ x18’ room.....so this is probably affecting a lot of wall reflections etc....


foeraus

Showing 1 response by mikelavigne

toe in and out is critical. finding the best room balance location is critical. most speaker manufacturers have recommendations based on the speaker design as to the ideal approach relative to the listening position.

but once you think you are close; try laser aiming and leveling. we call it ’stereo’ since it’s 2 speakers providing one soundstage. the balance of these two speakers determines the precision and tonal balance you hear.

the taller your speakers are the more this matters as the drivers are then more prone to be out of alignment. i have twin 7 foot tall towers where this process is critical for optimization.

there are devices you can purchase that can be attached to the face of a speaker that will allow you to exactly aim the speaker. also to level the speaker sitting on top. it’s spins around indicating the top is level.

you get a tripod with a piece of paper with a crosshair at the spot for your ears. once the speakers are known to be located at the exact same distance then the trick is precise aiming.

of course; it helps to also center your speakers exactly if your room is symmetric. i have a symmetric room with a piece of tape on my hardwood floor precisely measured down the center line which helps to measure the speaker position, but also when i’m listening it allows me to ’sight’ down the center for critical listening times.

you spend all this money on gear, and spend lots of time listening. this last little effort does pay constant dividends in what you hear.

wall. ceiling and floor treatments are a whole separate question. but every stereo system benefits from perfect alignment.