[SwedeSound]

Hey, all ...

Newbie scenario, discovery and question all in one here: I was re-arranging our living room to make some extra space for my son's birthday party tomorrow when I started playing around with my speaker positions. I have always had my speakers (stand-mounted monitors) about 8 feet apart and maybe 9-10 feet from my listening chair -- but always facing straight out -- zero toe-in.

While moving things around a bit, I placed them a bit farther apart and toed them in such that I can't see either side of the speaker without leaning one way or another ... I also set them a few inches closer to the front wall (still 2 feet clearance or so) to accommodate some furniture requirements, and I started listening.

I noticed an immediate change in the bass (which seems tighter and fuller) ... It also seems like I can listen at somewhat lower volumes and get the same affect. The soundstage isn't as wide, but it seems like I can make up for it by putting the speakers farther apart (?).

Which leads me to my question: What have you all discovered as the best "speaker-placement tweak" in your systems. Moving them farther apart? Farther into your room? Closer to the back? Angling them in? Angling them out? Squaring them up? Assuming you have already settled on the height and rake of your speakers, when did you finally -- a la Ron Popeil -- decide to "set it and forget it?"

-Swede

[lonewolfny42]

Which leads me to my question: What have you all discovered as the best "speaker-placement tweak" in your systems. Moving them farther apart? Farther into your room? Closer to the back? Angling them in? Angling them out? Squaring them up? Assuming you have already settled on the height and rake of your speakers, when did you finally -- a la Ron Popeil -- decide to "set it and forget it?"

Jason.....
You have to experiment...rooms are different....speakers are different....and what people prefer is different. I do find with most speakers, some toe-in seems to sound better.But experiment....then mark the location (tape)...funny how sometimes just a little move makes a big difference....happy listening...

                       Chris

[BobM]

I agree with Chris, each room is different and different placements will bring out different things, some of which may be more important to you than others. More bass, better imaging, better off center soundstaging, etc.

The one tool I found essential in all this is a tape measure. Make sure the left and right speakers are "precisely" the same distance from your sweet spot and have the exact same toe in. I have MTM's and also use a small level on top to make sure they are standing straight.

Enjoy the experiment,
Bob

[SwedeSound]

Chris and Bob,

Thanks, guys. I figured the room had a fair amount to do with it... I'll see what I can come up with and let you know what I find. And my speakers aren't so big that moving them around will break my back, so I guess I'll play around a bit. Can't wait to see what I hear.

-Jason

[Christof]

An eye-opener for me was using a SPL meter and going through the test tones that Ethan provides.  It seems that in my room moving the speakers just a little can effect the sound greatly.  Being fairly unversed in physics, I never imagined nulls come and go with just the smallest movements.

[SwedeSound]

So far, so good. While I haven't had the chance to really test-run the new arrangement, what I have heard has been a pleasant surprise.... By adding just a modest amount of toe-in such that they're pointing directly at my listening chair and placing them about two feet farther apart, I have noticed a markedly clearer soundstage.... better separation between the instruments, a more refined and faster bass response and a generally more involved listening experience.

More notes to come once I can sit quietly and listen without intrusion from my five-year-old son... Oh, one brief observation: Toeing in the speakers seems to have opened up my sweet spot a bit. Now sitting to one side or the other (we have a couch on either side of the sweet spot) there is suddenly a worthy listening seat. I wonder whether the soundwaves have a few more walls to bounce off compared to their previous perpendicular set up?

-Jason