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Placement of Components

I've read that the ideal placement of components is on a side wall (not between speakers).  I am wondering if this applies to turntable set-ups only or across the board to all components? I am guessing that having a turntable between the speakers will degrade the sound quality due to the vibrations that the turntable cartridge picks up from the speakers?  Would a streamer have the same issue if it was placed between the speakers?  

I am running a Musica Pristina A Cappella III > Denafrips Terminator + > Asthetix Calypso Eclipse Preamp that are are on a side wall on a basic Salamander Archetype rack and are connected using a 25 ft. XLR runs of the World's Greatest Cables ( about $100 on Amazon) to Audio Mirror Reflection 45 SET mono blocks into Cornwall IVs. There is also an Intel NUC running Roon in the next room.  I am wondering if the long run of my modest XLRs are limiting my sound quality and I would be better of placing my components between my speakers and buying higher quality XLRs.  25 ft. runs of high quality XLRs are prohibitively expensive but I could swing one or two meters of higher quality XLRs (i.e. Cardas, Kimber, etc.) if it makes sense to place my components between my speakers.

Or maybe it's just six of one; half a dozen of another?  Any thoughts from those of you that have experimented with both set-ups in a balanced system would be appreciated. 

bgchz
bgchz OP
14 posts
 

@tablejockey Good advice!!!
  
Basically, my concern is that using a pair of cheapish long run XLRs in order to have my components placed on a side wall is creating a bottle neck in my system. 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 

@roxy54 

Not true. Placement in the center is fine

Agreed, I’ve heard excellent sounding audio systems set up either way. Now a large bulky cabinet,,furniture or big TV screen could potentially impact the sound.

Charles 

 

erik_squires
15,816 posts
 

Try throwing a blanket over your stereo rack and you'll understand why this is true.  :)

I'm forced to do this today but there is no doubt if I could remove the rack from between the speakers it would sound better.  Free standing acoustic panels on either side of the rack can help.

mike_in_nc
1,124 posts
 

+1 @blisshifi

Basically, my concern is that using a pair of cheapish long run XLRs in order to have my components placed on a side wall is creating a bottle neck in my system.

Doubtful. It will put a bottleneck, instead, in the cash flow from your wallet to the cable dealers.

Try cables made with Neutrik XLRs and Mogami W2549. Easy to find from any pro audio shop (I use ProAudioLA) or from World’s Best Cables online. They sound better (more neutral) to me than the few expensive "boutique" cables I’ve tried -- and they are very cheap by audiophile standards.

I expect that moving the gear from the front wall will improve imaging.

 

 

aewarren
580 posts
 

The trouble with getting your question answered is that people will respond to it based on their experience with their equipment in their rooms and not on yours. There are no absolutes and your situation will be unique to your situation. Some speakers insist on being the stars of the room and others prefer, or at least don't mind, a lot of company. The only way to tell for sure is to try various combinations and use your ears to decide what works best for you. 

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