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Using balance to compensate for speaker distance

Hi.

I recently installed a couple of shelves in my room to hold my Paradigm Atom monitors. They're on a wall perpendicular to the amp, which means that the speaker cable to one monitor is longer than to the other (I know that ideally, they're equal lengths, but for that to happen I'd have to buy more...). One speaker is also a bit further away than the other. Is it ok to use the amp balance to correct for this? And while I'm at it, is it ok to connect two speaker wires using butt connectors?

Any responses would be greatly appreciated
therearegoats

Showing 1 response by therearegoats

therearegoats OP
3 posts
 
Well trust me: had I space, I wouldn't need wall-mounted shelves. And had I money, I wouldn't have to worry about the cable issue. The increase in bass caused by the nearness of the speakers to the wall isn't ideal and definitely muddles the middles. But it's better than my past solution: perching the speakers on 6ft tall bookshelves, angled downward at an almost 40 degree angle (ask me how I did that!). Hopefully, some foam isolation pads will help focus the sound more while I keep the speakers on the shelves.

As for the cable, I'll probably buy more eventually (and will definitely consider the gold stuff that was mentioned), but butt connectors are at least better than soldering, which I'd think would mess with the impedence more.

In reference to the balance, the distance difference between the two speakers probably isn't enough to lead to comb effects. Its only a few feet. But very interesting...something I hadn't thought of.

...AND FINALLY! As to my "compromised" system, I ask the accusing party to look into his wallet and tell me exactly what is compromised! The value of a pair of Paradigm Atoms is quite substantial---particularly when budgets and space considerations are far from ideal. Everyone should have a pair, if only for the garage.

Thanks for all responses.
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