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Objects Between Speakers

Here's an odd question: do objects between speakers (assume 2-channel setup) significantly affect the sound we hear from the speakers?

For example, I don't have a dedicated music room. I have two audio racks in my living room - one is the "home theatre" rack, and one is the "stereo" rack. The rear-ported "music speakers" sit on 30" stands 30" to either side of the edge of the TV/TV stand, and the front edge of the speakers are roughly 4" closer to the opposite wall than the front of the TV/TV stand. Does the fact that I have the TV between the speakers affect how well the speakers sound?

On a related note, I have the speakers set up on the short wall of an 11'x17' room. My L-shaped sectional sofa extends along the side wall to about a foot away from the right speaker, and the arm of the sofa (24" tall) is literally in front of, though slightly below, the right speaker. Is the sofa likely killing some of the sound coming from the speaker?

I've listened to electrostats and noticed they are very affected by objects being between them and the listener -even a coffee table produces a noticeable effect- but what about cone speakers?

Thanks for the insight to all.
aggielaw
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Yep, I went with front projection also, I had a 56" RPTV in there and it sucked.

Dave
iseekheils
131 posts
 
Having a TV and,or equipment racks between the speakers will really destroy the soundstage. If you have everything set up in an arc in front of your seating area, chances are the sound reproduction will also seem like the musicians are standing in that arc. If you can eliminate the clutter of racks, TVs etc, you will hear much more depth to the sound. For example it may seem like the singer is 6' away in front of you with the drums "behind". The other instruments may seem 8' away on the left and 10' on the right.
This is the major comprimise of having all in one systems. A front projector, as suggested above, is a great improvement.
newbee
4,751 posts
 
One of the side benefits of getting the stuff out from between your speakers, other than the major sonic benefits, is you don't just sit in your chair staring at all of your great components with much pride! You can actually listen to the music with out this distraction. Yeh, I know you just don't do that, Uh Huh. :-) The only concession I will make is placement of the amps between the speakers, but that doesn't really affect the sound field. A side benefit is that all of the sources and pre-amp are in a zone of minimal airborne resonances.
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