What should well placed speakers sound like?


I'm relatively new to a hi-fi system. I'm slowly upgrading, but have recently purchased Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rods...getting rid of some old JBL speakers (10 years old+).
I'm wondering as I try to place the speakers....what should I be looking for? That the sound comes from the middle of the two speakers (as opposed to the speakers)? Can some of you in-the-know explain the concept of soundstage and speaker placement and what to listen for when placing the speakers.

I have them 7 feet apart (can't really change due to the set-up of my living room) and a somewhat toe-in (which seems to help).

thanks
-s-
songlian

Showing 1 response by ohlala

I know when placement is right when the highs and lows are balanced with the mids. With mine anyways there is some play left for soundstage, as in to have vocals in the middle when they should be. This play really just pertains to the distance between the speakers. Making the toe-in angles equal is also needed to appropriately place points along the horizontal axis, but the degree of toe-in is just to adjust relative amount of high frequencies. As long as what should be is centered between the speakers and correct position for frequeny response, your equipment and room will dictate the quality of the rest of the atmosphere. Your's is a good question, but staging and imaging are less important and than they are made to be. The best soundstage, created by the best systems, is the most undefined.