Speaker placement and soundstage


I've been thinking and that is not usually a good thing. The recommended speaker and listening position roughly forms an equilateral triangle. This positions the speakers 30° to the leaf and right for a general sound stage of 60°. Sure, some recordings have a very rich sound stage that can go beyond that 60°, but in the music I listen to, that is few and far between (progressive rock, arena rock, symphonic rock, etc.). The birds in Even in the Quietest Moments register a solid 60° to 80° left and right so my system can present a wide sound stage, but the "normal" 60° feels like sitting in row Z at a concert. I'm tempted to explore toeing the speakers in more and getting closer to create a wider field between the speakers knowing it might blow up that sensitive "beyond the speakers" sound stage. Has anyone gone down this rabbit hole?

markcasazza

I also use an Isosceles triangle for a starter. Then how they’re aimed and with my Amati’s, I have to aim them down a bit to aim the tweeters more towards my ears. Everything locked in with the speakers aimed to my ears. It’s amazing the difference an inch can make.

I have found speaker placement to be one of the most important considerations in a system.  I try to get as wide of a soundstage as possible without deteriorating the center image.  Kick drums and snare drums on modern electronic music is usually a good test.  If the drum doesn't sound fully formed and concrete, you may need to toe in more.  It can be personal preference and the ideal layout is certainly different depending on the system.  Best of luck!!

It's best to experience this for yourself, than to ask for comforting advice.

There is Software and a few ancillaries readily available today that will identify the best placement for a Speaker in a space. Software will also identify where the space has nulls and modes, which, when addressed, will create an improved interface for the Kinetic energy transfer throughout the space; hence, the end sound being heard will be in an improved condition.  

Rabbit hole has been sighted and I'm half way down!  This is a fun part of the hobby, though it can be frustrating too.  I skimmed over the thread and there is some good advice from the community.  

One thing that I didn't see mentioned is giving the speakers time to settle in after they are moved.  Your didn't give us any info on your system but the more resolving the speakers are the more they will need time to settle down and couple with the room after moving.  Not too long ago I made an adjustment and initially didn't like the results but after a couple of weeks got what I was looking for.  It's really amazing how it wasn't there and then after some time "bingo"!  Good luck in the rabbit hole.