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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
slaw's avatar
slaw
26,548 posts
 

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

pindac's avatar
pindac
3,959 posts
 

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.  

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
482 posts
 

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.    

david4322
2 posts
 

Oh how nice it would be to have a room that offered options for speaker placement. One day. Right now there is the credenza where they have to go so we do our best. 

 

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